https://podcasts.groong.org/categories/armenia/Recent content in Armenia on Groong PodcastHugoen-usTue, 12 May 2026 02:33:02 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/543-armenia-nare-navasardyan-hovhannes-ishkhanyan-parliamentary-elections-election-2026-artsakh-protesters-emmanuel-macron-nikol-pashinyan-ilham-aliyev-iain-davis-mi6-slapp-fip-am-sut-am-fact-checking-russia-exposed-network-daniel-ioannisyan/Sun, 10 May 2026 22:45:05 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/543-armenia-nare-navasardyan-hovhannes-ishkhanyan-parliamentary-elections-election-2026-artsakh-protesters-emmanuel-macron-nikol-pashinyan-ilham-aliyev-iain-davis-mi6-slapp-fip-am-sut-am-fact-checking-russia-exposed-network-daniel-ioannisyan/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> Hovhannes Ishkhanyan and Nare Navasardyan discuss the growing role of the EU, fact-checking networks, and counter-disinformation programs in Armenia&rsquo;s 2026 election environment. The conversation examines claims of foreign interference, the use of &ldquo;hybrid threats&rdquo; and &ldquo;disinformation&rdquo; labels against domestic dissent, and the political bias of Armenia&rsquo;s fact-checking ecosystem. The guests also share personal experiences with lawsuits, public confrontation, protest, and censorship, raising broader questions about free speech, election fairness, and the management of Armenia&rsquo;s information space. <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <h3 id="eu-role-in-armenias-election-environment">EU Role in Armenia’s Election Environment</h3> <ul> <li>The 8th European Political Community Summit in Armenia</li> <li>European praise for Pashinyan ahead of the June 7 vote</li> <li>Opposition protests kept away from visiting European leaders</li> <li>Hovhannes Ishkhanyan’s experience being detained near Macron’s visit</li> <li>France’s role in promoting Pashinyan’s westward course</li> <li>The gap between EU democracy language and its practical support for the incumbent government</li> </ul> <h3 id="eu-funding-crisis-language-and-election-management">EU Funding, Crisis Language, and Election Management</h3> <ul> <li>Amsterdam &amp; Partners LLP’s <em>Interference by Design</em> whitepaper</li> <li>The EU’s €300 million package for Armenia before the election</li> <li>Claims that EU support follows a “Moldovan-style” intervention model</li> <li>The classified <em>Crisis Approach for Armenia</em> document</li> <li>The use of “hybrid threats” and FIMI language to reframe domestic dissent</li> <li>The Hybrid Rapid Response Team advising Pashinyan’s office</li> </ul> <h3 id="comparisons-with-moldova-and-romania">Comparisons With Moldova and Romania</h3> <ul> <li>How EU support was used in Moldova to strengthen pro-EU political forces</li> <li>The use of content moderation and intelligence claims in Romania’s election annulment</li> <li>Whether Armenia is now being treated as the next case in an EU election-management model</li> <li>The role of rapid response systems, NGOs, and platform moderation in shaping pre-election politics</li> </ul> <h3 id="fact-checking-and-political-bias">Fact-Checking and Political Bias</h3> <ul> <li>The role of Armenian fact-checking NGOs such as FIP.am</li> <li>Allegations that fact-checking groups target opposition voices and Russia-linked narratives while avoiding ruling party disinformation</li> <li>Hovhannes and Nare’s “Fact-Checking the Fact-Checkers” monitoring project</li> <li>The claim that fact-checking can become narrative enforcement rather than factual correction</li> <li>Questions about whether any Armenian fact-checking platforms are truly independent or balanced</li> </ul> <h3 id="personal-encounters-with-fact-checkers">Personal Encounters With Fact-Checkers</h3> <ul> <li>Hovhannes Ishkhanyan’s confrontation with FIP.am and other fact-checkers</li> <li>The refusal of fact-checkers to answer questions from critics at public events</li> <li>The case involving Armen Manvelyan’s statement about American small modular reactors</li> <li>Hovhannes’s complaint to the International Fact-Checking Network</li> <li>The broader question of who checks the fact-checkers</li> </ul> <h3 id="lawsuits-slapps-and-legal-pressure">Lawsuits, SLAPPs, and Legal Pressure</h3> <ul> <li>Hovhannes Ishkhanyan’s experience being sued by Daniel Ioannisian</li> <li>The use of libel and slander laws against critics</li> <li>SLAPP-style lawsuits as a pressure tool against journalists and activists</li> <li>Claims that Armenia’s legal system is being used to silence critics of government-aligned NGOs</li> <li>The wider climate of intimidation around political speech</li> </ul> <h3 id="meta-social-media-and-censorship">Meta, Social Media, and Censorship</h3> <ul> <li>Facebook and Instagram as key sources of political information in Armenia</li> <li>Meta’s outsourcing of fact-checking and content review to local partners</li> <li>The role of “trusted flaggers” and platform moderation</li> <li>Concerns that fact-checking can reduce reach, hide content, or shape what voters see</li> <li>The risk of outsourcing Armenia’s political debate to foreign platforms and aligned NGOs</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>Is Armenia’s 2026 election being decided by Armenian voters, or shaped by outside actors?</li> <li>Why is the EU dealing so closely with the incumbent government while avoiding the opposition?</li> <li>Was the EPC summit in Yerevan a diplomatic event, or a campaign boost for Pashinyan?</li> <li>What does France gain from public support for Pashinyan?</li> <li>Where is the EU’s €300 million assistance going, and who benefits from it?</li> <li>Why is Armenia being treated through a “crisis” framework by the EU?</li> <li>What is the Hybrid Rapid Response Team, and what role does it play inside the Prime Minister’s Office?</li> <li>Are terms such as “hybrid threats” and FIMI being used to criminalize dissent?</li> <li>Is the Moldovan model becoming the EU’s standard approach to non-member states?</li> <li>Who are Armenia’s main fact-checkers, and what political narratives do they reinforce?</li> <li>Can fact-checkers be independent if they refuse to engage with critics?</li> <li>What does the FIP.am case involving Armen Manvelyan reveal about fact-checking standards?</li> <li>How are lawsuits used to pressure critics, journalists, and activists?</li> <li>How does Meta’s content moderation system affect Armenian political speech?</li> <li>What happens when most public debate flows through platforms controlled by foreign corporations?</li> </ul> <h2 id="references">References</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://freekarapetyan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Armenia-EU-Interference-by-Design.pdf">INTERFERENCE BY DESIGN: Electoral Integrity, EU Engagement, and the 2026 Parliamentary Elections in Armenia</a> - Amsterdam &amp; Partners LLP whitepaper</li> <li><a href="https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents/public-register/public-register-search/?AllLanguagesSearch=false&amp;OnlyPublicDocuments=false&amp;DocumentNumber=6918%2F26&amp;DocumentLanguage=EN">Crisis Approach for Armenia</a> - EU Council document entry</li> <li><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_988">EU and Armenia sign connectivity partnership, strengthen economic ties and deepen security cooperation</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.mfa.am/filemanager/%D5%80%D5%80-%D4%B5%D5%84/Strategic%20Agenda%20for%20the%20EU-Armenia%20Partnership.pdf">Strategic Agenda For The EU-Armenia Partnership</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.theparliamentmagazine.eu/news/article/qa-marta-kos-wants-people-to-understand-enlargement-is-about-security">Q&amp;A: Marta Kos wants people to understand enlargement is about security</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/RA3oU01-oEg?si=5B6U9RNAc18tapxG">Տեղեկատվական դաշտը՝ ընտրություններից առաջ. բևեռացված միջավայր, հիբրիդային սպառնալիքներ - fact-checker conference on hybrid threats</a></li> <li><a href="https://fip.am/47930">Aravot.am-ի զրուցակիցը խեղաթյուրել է FIP.am-ի հոդվածը՝ կեղծ պնդումներ անելով</a></li> <li><a href="https://iaindavis.com/expose-network-and-the-open-information-partnership-summary/">EXPOSE Network and the Open Information Partnership - Summary</a></li> <li><a href="https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1560775034662277120.html">Tyler Popps post on #OpHMagTrojanHorse</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hovoish/posts/10223142299839345">2021 Facebook post from Hovhannes Ishkhanyan about sut.am’s involvement</a></li> <li><a href="https://politik.am/am/artahosqic-parzvel-e-vor-daniel-ionnisyanenq-britanakan-gortsakalner-en">politik.am coverage of the EXPOSE Network claims</a></li> <li><a href="https://wikispooks.com/wiki/EXPOSE_Network">Wikispooks on EXPOSE Network</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574358193271">Fact-Checking The Fact Checkers / Փաստերի ստուգման հարթակների ստուգման հարթակ</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/543-armenia-nare-navasardyan-hovhannes-ishkhanyan-parliamentary-elections-election-2026-artsakh-protesters-emmanuel-macron-nikol-pashinyan-ilham-aliyev-iain-davis-mi6-slapp-fip-am-sut-am-fact-checking-russia-exposed-network-daniel-ioannisyan/Sun, 10 May 2026 22:45:05 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/543-armenia-nare-navasardyan-hovhannes-ishkhanyan-parliamentary-elections-election-2026-artsakh-protesters-emmanuel-macron-nikol-pashinyan-ilham-aliyev-iain-davis-mi6-slapp-fip-am-sut-am-fact-checking-russia-exposed-network-daniel-ioannisyan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Hovhannes Ishkhanyan and Nare Navasardyan discuss the growing role of the EU, fact-checking networks, and counter-disinformation programs in Armenia&rsquo;s 2026 election environment. The conversation examines claims of foreign interference, the use of &ldquo;hybrid threats&rdquo; and &ldquo;disinformation&rdquo; labels against domestic dissent, and the political bias of Armenia&rsquo;s fact-checking ecosystem. The guests also share personal experiences with lawsuits, public confrontation, protest, and censorship, raising broader questions about free speech, election fairness, and the management of Armenia&rsquo;s information space.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/542-armenia-vedi-child-protection-rule-of-law-human-rights-victims-rights-law-enforcement-police-accountability-political-responsibility-justice-system-tatevik-soghoyan-child-abuse-prevention/Sun, 10 May 2026 12:30:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/542-armenia-vedi-child-protection-rule-of-law-human-rights-victims-rights-law-enforcement-police-accountability-political-responsibility-justice-system-tatevik-soghoyan-child-abuse-prevention/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> This Conversations on Groong episode examines the Vedi abuse case, a disturbing story involving alleged sexual abuse of vulnerable minors and serious questions about Armenia's law-enforcement response. Attorney Tatevik Soghoyan joins the program to discuss the known timeline, the delays between the first reports and arrests, the treatment of the victims, and the public statements by investigators and government officials. The discussion focuses on whether this was a local failure, a systemic breakdown, or a deeper case of political responsibility, while asking what Armenia's justice and child-protection systems must do to prevent such cases from being ignored, delayed, or mishandled. <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li>Vedi abuse case timeline</li> <li>Role of Suzy Badoyan’s reporting</li> <li>Police and Investigative Committee delays</li> <li>Treatment of minors during questioning</li> <li>Victim privacy and public statements</li> <li>Dismissed Ararat law-enforcement officials</li> <li>Claims of police informant ties</li> <li>Political use of law enforcement</li> <li>Poverty and family vulnerability</li> <li>Weaknesses in child-protection systems</li> <li>Responsibility of prosecutors and investigators</li> <li>Possible criminal liability for official misconduct</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>Who first reported the alleged abuse in Vedi?</li> <li>Did the case begin with police work, school reporting, or media pressure?</li> <li>Why were the suspects allegedly left free for months?</li> <li>Were the minors questioned with proper legal and psychological protections?</li> <li>Did the Investigative Committee’s public statement harm the victims’ privacy?</li> <li>Why did senior officials claim they learned about the case from the media?</li> <li>Is it credible that higher authorities were unaware of the case?</li> <li>Were local officials removed to contain public anger?</li> <li>Does this case show a wider breakdown in Armenia’s law-enforcement system?</li> <li>Has the politicization of law enforcement weakened ordinary criminal justice?</li> <li>What role did poverty and social vulnerability play?</li> <li>Are NGOs and state child-protection bodies functioning as they should?</li> <li>Are resignations enough, or should officials face criminal investigation?</li> <li>What reforms are needed to prevent similar failures?</li> </ul> <h2 id="references">References</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33752109.html">Փաշինյանը պնդում է՝ Վեդիի դեպքը իրավապահներն են բացահայտել, փաստաբանը հակադարձում է</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aORVdOkrNOQ">Սարսափելի մանրամասներ մանկապիղծներից․ ինչ է բացահայտել Սյուզի Բադոյանը</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/kreakan-ostikanoutyan-ararati-marzayin-varchoutyan-pety-ev-hamaynkayin-ostikanoutyan-vedii-bazhni-pety-azatvel-en-pashtonnerits/33752028.html">Արարատի մարզի և Վեդիի ոստիկանության ու քննչականի պետերն ազատվել են պաշտոններից</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/amp/33752105.html">Փաշինյանը պնդում է՝ Վեդիի դեպքը իրավապահներն են բացահայտել, փաստաբանը հակադարձում է</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/amp/vedii-gortsov-dzerbakalvatsnerits-meky-kalanavorvel-e/33752460.html">Վեդիի գործով երկու ձերբակալվածները կալանավորվել են</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/amp/vedii-depky-batsahaytvel-e-%D6%85perativ-marminneri-ahazangi-ardyounkoum-pndoum-e-varchapety/33751879.html">Վեդիի դեպքը բացահայտվել է օպերատիվ մարմինների ահազանգի արդյունքում, պնդում է վարչապետը</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/amp/arden-hingerord-pashtonankoutyouny-anchapahas-kouyreri-nkatmamb-serakan-brnoutyan-depkeri-hetevankov/33752545.html">5-րդ պաշտոնանկությունը՝ անչափահաս քույրերի նկատմամբ սեռական բռնության դեպքերի հետևանքով</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Ms.Soghoyan/posts/pfbid021QhRKRm3ZwPED2eNSPPYDeeUHdsjM63EZQPhznvxmoNHtYUA8WhM5EGQzkLu4es2l?rdid=g1Qawv4DEhnNaFca">«Հանցանքի պարտակումը» կամ «աշխատանքային պարտականությունների կատարման սահմանները»</a></li> <li><a href="https://mamul.am/am/news/359010">Վեդիում անչափահաս քույրերի հետ կապված գործով 3-րդ անձին է մեղադրանք ներկայացվել</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A1to3ZKQc/">Tatevik Soghoyan&rsquo;s Facebook Post</a></li> <li><a href="https://youtu.be/88gQtXWSOgU">Varduhie Elbakyan&rsquo;s interview</a></li> <li><a href="https://youtu.be/aORVdOkrNOQ">Suzy Badoyan&rsquo;s interview on Imnemnimi</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/542-armenia-vedi-child-protection-rule-of-law-human-rights-victims-rights-law-enforcement-police-accountability-political-responsibility-justice-system-tatevik-soghoyan-child-abuse-prevention/Sun, 10 May 2026 12:30:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/542-armenia-vedi-child-protection-rule-of-law-human-rights-victims-rights-law-enforcement-police-accountability-political-responsibility-justice-system-tatevik-soghoyan-child-abuse-prevention/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Conversations on Groong episode examines the Vedi abuse case, a disturbing story involving alleged sexual abuse of vulnerable minors and serious questions about Armenia's law-enforcement response. Attorney Tatevik Soghoyan joins the program to discuss the known timeline, the delays between the first reports and arrests, the treatment of the victims, and the public statements by investigators and government officials. The discussion focuses on whether this was a local failure, a systemic breakdown, or a deeper case of political responsibility, while asking what Armenia's justice and child-protection systems must do to prevent such cases from being ignored, delayed, or mishandled.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/540-mikael-darbinian-strong-armenia-security-doctrine-azerbaijani-occupation-tripp-zangezur-corridor-artsakh-stepanakert-cathedral-election-integrity/Wed, 06 May 2026 12:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/540-mikael-darbinian-strong-armenia-security-doctrine-azerbaijani-occupation-tripp-zangezur-corridor-artsakh-stepanakert-cathedral-election-integrity/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> This Conversations on Groong episode with Mikael Darbinian examines Armenia’s security crisis through the lens of the Strong Armenia doctrine. The discussion focuses on deterrence, diplomacy from a position of strength, Azerbaijani positions inside Armenia’s sovereign territory, the risks around TRIPP and the Zangezur Corridor, the rights of Artsakh Armenians, regional war scenarios involving Iran, and the gap between international political theater and Armenia’s unresolved national security threats. <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li>Strong Armenia’s national security doctrine</li> <li>Diplomacy from a position of strength</li> <li>Armenia’s current military and political vulnerabilities</li> <li>Azerbaijani positions inside Armenia’s sovereign territory</li> <li>Strategic and economic risks for border communities</li> <li>Sotq gold mine and border-region insecurity</li> <li>TRIPP and the Zangezur Corridor debate</li> <li>Built-in security guarantees for regional connectivity</li> <li>Rights of Artsakh Armenians</li> <li>Threats to Armenian heritage in Artsakh</li> <li>Stepanakert Cathedral and Azerbaijan’s cultural destruction</li> <li>Armenia’s foreign policy fundamentals</li> <li>Regional risks from a wider Iran war</li> <li>EPC summit optics and national insecurity</li> <li>Election integrity and opposition coalition politics</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>How does Mikael Darbinian’s background as a former U.S. diplomat shape his view of Armenia’s current vulnerabilities?</li> <li>What would a Strong Armenia administration do to rebuild Armenia’s national security system, armed forces, and diplomatic leverage?</li> <li>How can Armenia mobilize national potential in a divided political environment?</li> <li>What role should the Armenian Diaspora play in rebuilding Armenia’s security capacity?</li> <li>What are the strategic implications of Azerbaijani positions inside Armenia’s internationally recognized borders?</li> <li>How does the occupation of Armenian territory affect border villages, roads, infrastructure, and local economies?</li> <li>What are the risks to operations such as the Sotq gold mine and other border-region assets?</li> <li>Is TRIPP a path toward useful regional connectivity, or does it function as the Zangezur Corridor under another name?</li> <li>What would real security guarantees for TRIPP require while Azerbaijani forces remain close to the proposed infrastructure?</li> <li>How does Strong Armenia’s view of TRIPP differ from Robert Kocharyan’s proposals?</li> <li>What would “sober judgment” and “cold calculations” mean in Armenian foreign policy?</li> <li>How should a Strong Armenia-led government handle the rights of Artsakh Armenians?</li> <li>How should Armenia prepare for the risk of a wider Iran war, especially one involving Turkey or Azerbaijan?</li> <li>How should Armenia respond to Azerbaijan’s destruction of Armenian heritage, including the Stepanakert Cathedral?</li> <li>Do high-level summits such as the EPC meeting in Yerevan create real security gains for Armenia, or mostly serve as public relations?</li> </ul> <h2 id="slides-from-mikael-darbinians-strong-armenia-presentation">Slides from Mikael Darbinian&rsquo;s Strong Armenia presentation</h2> <h3 id="strong-armenia-conference-presentation-video">Strong Armenia conference presentation video</h3> <div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden;"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share; fullscreen" loading="eager" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yIbVwwCkHjI?autoplay=0&amp;controls=1&amp;end=0&amp;loop=0&amp;mute=0&amp;start=0" style="position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border:0;" title="YouTube video"></iframe> </div> <h3 id="slide-1">Slide 1</h3> <p><p class="md__image"> <img src="https://podcasts.groong.org/img/episode/540/darbinian-maps/slide1.webp" alt="Slide 1 from Mikael Darbinian&rsquo;s Strong Armenia presentation" title="Slide 1" class="img-fluid" /> </p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/540-mikael-darbinian-strong-armenia-security-doctrine-azerbaijani-occupation-tripp-zangezur-corridor-artsakh-stepanakert-cathedral-election-integrity/Wed, 06 May 2026 12:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/540-mikael-darbinian-strong-armenia-security-doctrine-azerbaijani-occupation-tripp-zangezur-corridor-artsakh-stepanakert-cathedral-election-integrity/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Conversations on Groong episode with Mikael Darbinian examines Armenia’s security crisis through the lens of the Strong Armenia doctrine. The discussion focuses on deterrence, diplomacy from a position of strength, Azerbaijani positions inside Armenia’s sovereign territory, the risks around TRIPP and the Zangezur Corridor, the rights of Artsakh Armenians, regional war scenarios involving Iran, and the gap between international political theater and Armenia’s unresolved national security threats.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260506-transcript-540-mikael-darbinian-strong-armenia-security-doctrine-azerbaijani-occupation-tripp-zangezur-corridor-artsakh-stepanakert-cathedral-election-integrity/Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260506-transcript-540-mikael-darbinian-strong-armenia-security-doctrine-azerbaijani-occupation-tripp-zangezur-corridor-artsakh-stepanakert-cathedral-election-integrity/This Conversations on Groong episode with Mikael Darbinian examines Armenia’s security crisis through the lens of the Strong Armenia doctrine. The discussion focuses on deterrence, diplomacy from a position of strength, Azerbaijani positions inside Armenia’s sovereign territory, the risks around TRIPP and the Zangezur Corridor, the rights of Artsakh Armenians, regional war scenarios involving Iran, and the gap between international political theater and Armenia’s unresolved national security threats. <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/540/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p>https://podcasts.groong.org/539-week-in-review-iran-war-ceasefire-operation-kochari-stepanakert-cathedral-artsakh-cultural-genocide-armenia-elections-mpg-poll-tripp-border-demarcation-pashinyan-kocharyan-strong-armenia-rsf-press-freedom-mass-surveillance/Tue, 05 May 2026 13:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/539-week-in-review-iran-war-ceasefire-operation-kochari-stepanakert-cathedral-artsakh-cultural-genocide-armenia-elections-mpg-poll-tripp-border-demarcation-pashinyan-kocharyan-strong-armenia-rsf-press-freedom-mass-surveillance/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> This Groong Week in Review covers Trump’s Iran ceasefire, failed US-Iran talks in Islamabad, the naval blockade, and Washington’s war politics. Asbed and Hovik also examine “Operation Kochari,” Shahin Mustafayev’s secret visit to Armenia, TRIPP, border demarcation, Armenia-Azerbaijan trade, Azerbaijan’s destruction of the Stepanakert cathedral, Pashinyan’s response, the MPG poll, opposition coalition math, election fraud risks, the EPC meeting, legal pressure, mass surveillance, and Armenia’s falling press freedom ranking. <h1 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h1> <ul> <li>Trump’s declared pause in the Iran War</li> <li>Failed US-Iran talks in Islamabad</li> <li>Naval blockade and War Powers debate</li> <li>Continued Israeli operations in Lebanon</li> <li>“Operation Kochari” and Mustafayev’s Armenia visit</li> <li>TRIPP and border demarcation politics</li> <li>Armenia-Azerbaijan trade as political theater</li> <li>Destruction of the Stepanakert Cathedral</li> <li>Pashinyan’s response to Azerbaijan’s actions</li> <li>International silence on Artsakh heritage destruction</li> <li>MPG poll and Armenia’s June 7 election outlook</li> <li>Opposition coalition scenarios</li> <li>Possible election fraud and street protests</li> <li>European Political Community meeting in Armenia</li> <li>Legal pressure and administrative resources</li> <li>Press freedom decline and RSF ranking</li> <li>Mass surveillance and political prosecutions</li> </ul> <h1 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h1> <ul> <li>Why did Trump declare hostilities with Iran “terminated” after failed talks?</li> <li>Is the Iran ceasefire real, or is the US using the pause to reload?</li> <li>How much is US domestic politics shaping the Iran War?</li> <li>Why are US allies reluctant to join a wider war with Iran?</li> <li>What does continued Israeli action in Lebanon say about the broader Middle East conflict?</li> <li>Why was Shahin Mustafayev’s visit to Armenia kept quiet?</li> <li>Was the visit mainly about border demarcation, TRIPP, business, or post-election planning?</li> <li>Is Armenia-Azerbaijan trade real economic normalization, or a staged political narrative?</li> <li>What does TRIPP mean if Armenia cannot use it for real North-South access?</li> <li>Why did Azerbaijan destroy the Stepanakert Cathedral?</li> <li>Why did many Western governments stay silent on the destruction of Armenian Christian heritage?</li> <li>What did Pashinyan’s reaction reveal about his government’s view of Artsakh?</li> <li>What does the new MPG poll show about voter turnout and opposition strength?</li> <li>Can Civil Contract keep power without a clear majority?</li> <li>Could DOK, Bright Armenia, or Prosperous Armenia become kingmakers?</li> <li>Can the opposition form a working coalition if Pashinyan falls short?</li> <li>Who could become prime minister if the opposition wins?</li> <li>What happens if the June 7 election results are falsified?</li> <li>Why is the opposition not yet building a street movement?</li> <li>Can Armenia hold free and fair elections under current legal and media conditions?</li> <li>How serious is Armenia’s decline in press freedom?</li> <li>How are surveillance, prosecutions, and selective leaks shaping the election environment?</li> </ul> <h1 id="references">References</h1> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/01/trump-declares-hostilities-with-iran-terminated">Trump declares hostilities with Iran “terminated”</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.arabnews.jp/en/middle-east/article_169382/">Israel killed 13 people in Lebanon, including two women</a></li> <li><a href="https://news.am/en/news/1031373">Armenian businessmen attended meeting with Azerbaijani delegation</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33738182.html">Stepanakert cathedral bulldozed and erased</a></li> <li><a href="https://x.com/nadinemaenza/status/2049507326776750325?s=46">Nadine Maenza condemns destruction as cultural genocide</a></li> <li><a href="https://news.am/en/video/945846">Russia condemns destruction of Armenian church in Stepanakert</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.eurasiareview.com/01052026-mother-see-condemns-destruction-of-armenian-shrines/">Mother See condemns destruction of Armenian shrines</a></li> <li><a href="https://panarmenian.net/eng/news/332817">Arsen Torosyan questions why Armenia should be involved</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2026/04/28/Arsen+Torosyan/2421325">Aysor report on Arsen Torosyan’s comments</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33741819.html">Armenian government erases post about Armenian Genocide commemoration</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33743620.html">Azerbaijan defends destruction of Stepanakert church</a></li> <li><a href="https://evnreport.com/elections/incumbent-party-swings-new-poll-numbers-armenias-parliamentary-elections-take-shape/">EVN Report analysis of Armenian election poll numbers</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33746550.html">Gyumri resident prosecuted for calling police chief a “clown”</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33747111.html">RSF ranking shows Armenia downgraded from 34th to 50th</a></li> <li><a href="https://168.am/2026/04/30/2403823.html">168.am report on Armenia’s RSF downgrade</a></li> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1248608">Armenpress report on freedom of expression claims</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/europe-and-central-asia/eastern-europe-and-central-asia/armenia/report-armenia/">Amnesty International Armenia 2025 report</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="mpg-poll-slides">MPG Poll Slides</h2> <h3 id="methodology">Methodology</h3> <p><p class="md__image"> <img src="https://podcasts.groong.org/img/episode/539/poll/mpg-02.webp" alt="Methodology" title="Methodology" class="img-fluid" /> </p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/539-week-in-review-iran-war-ceasefire-operation-kochari-stepanakert-cathedral-artsakh-cultural-genocide-armenia-elections-mpg-poll-tripp-border-demarcation-pashinyan-kocharyan-strong-armenia-rsf-press-freedom-mass-surveillance/Tue, 05 May 2026 13:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/539-week-in-review-iran-war-ceasefire-operation-kochari-stepanakert-cathedral-artsakh-cultural-genocide-armenia-elections-mpg-poll-tripp-border-demarcation-pashinyan-kocharyan-strong-armenia-rsf-press-freedom-mass-surveillance/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Groong Week in Review covers Trump’s Iran ceasefire, failed US-Iran talks in Islamabad, the naval blockade, and Washington’s war politics. Asbed and Hovik also examine “Operation Kochari,” Shahin Mustafayev’s secret visit to Armenia, TRIPP, border demarcation, Armenia-Azerbaijan trade, Azerbaijan’s destruction of the Stepanakert cathedral, Pashinyan’s response, the MPG poll, opposition coalition math, election fraud risks, the EPC meeting, legal pressure, mass surveillance, and Armenia’s falling press freedom ranking.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260505-transcript-539-week-in-review-iran-war-ceasefire-operation-kochari-stepanakert-cathedral-artsakh-cultural-genocide-armenia-elections-mpg-poll-tripp-border-demarcation-pashinyan-kocharyan-strong-armenia-rsf-press-freedom-mass-surveillance/Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260505-transcript-539-week-in-review-iran-war-ceasefire-operation-kochari-stepanakert-cathedral-artsakh-cultural-genocide-armenia-elections-mpg-poll-tripp-border-demarcation-pashinyan-kocharyan-strong-armenia-rsf-press-freedom-mass-surveillance/This Groong Week in Review covers Trump’s Iran ceasefire, failed US-Iran talks in Islamabad, the naval blockade, and Washington’s war politics. Asbed and Hovik also examine “Operation Kochari,” Shahin Mustafayev’s secret visit to Armenia, TRIPP, border demarcation, Armenia-Azerbaijan trade, Azerbaijan’s destruction of the Stepanakert cathedral, Pashinyan’s response, the MPG poll, opposition coalition math, election fraud risks, the EPC meeting, legal pressure, mass surveillance, and Armenia’s falling press freedom ranking. <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/539/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p>https://podcasts.groong.org/538-hrair-balian-anatomy-of-peacemaking-nagorno-karabakh-missed-opportunities-iran-war-tripp-zangezur-corridor-artsakh-negotiations-armenia-elections-osce-odihr/Sun, 03 May 2026 14:30:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/538-hrair-balian-anatomy-of-peacemaking-nagorno-karabakh-missed-opportunities-iran-war-tripp-zangezur-corridor-artsakh-negotiations-armenia-elections-osce-odihr/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> Hrair Balian joins us to discuss his book Anatomy of Peacemaking: Nagorno Karabakh Conflict &amp; Missed Opportunities, the failure of diplomacy around Artsakh, and what Armenia should learn from the long collapse of the peace process. The conversation also looks at the Iran war, US and Israeli goals in the region, the TRIPP/Zangezur Corridor and its security impact on Armenia, and the role of outside powers in shaping outcomes in the South Caucasus. The episode closes with a discussion of Armenia’s June parliamentary elections, opposition repression, election monitoring, and whether international observers will judge the vote by facts on the ground or political convenience. <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li>US-Iran relations and failed diplomacy</li> <li>Israeli and US interests in the Iran war</li> <li>Prospects for a negotiated end to the current conflict</li> <li>TRIPP, also known as the Zangezur Corridor</li> <li>Armenia’s sovereignty and security risks</li> <li>Iran’s red lines in the South Caucasus</li> <li>Hrair Balian’s book on Karabakh negotiations</li> <li>Missed opportunities in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process</li> <li>Secret or unreleased negotiation documents</li> <li>Russia, the West, and the South Caucasus after 2014</li> <li>Pashinyan’s shift on Artsakh</li> <li>The future of Artsakh and the right of return</li> <li>Armenia’s June parliamentary elections</li> <li>OSCE/ODIHR election monitoring and political bias concerns</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>Did modern US-Iran tensions begin in 1979, 1953, or earlier?</li> <li>Was there ever a serious diplomatic effort between the US and Iran?</li> <li>Do US and Israeli interests align in the war on Iran?</li> <li>What is the end goal of the US-Israeli war on Iran?</li> <li>Is a negotiated solution still possible?</li> <li>Does TRIPP provide any security guarantee for Armenia?</li> <li>Can a future Armenian government renegotiate TRIPP with stronger safeguards?</li> <li>How does TRIPP relate to the November 2020 ceasefire statement and Russia’s assigned role?</li> <li>What lessons should Armenia draw from regional war and failed diplomacy?</li> <li>Why have parts of the Karabakh negotiation record remained secret?</li> <li>What were the main reasons the Nagorno-Karabakh peace talks failed?</li> <li>After 2014 or 2018, did the US prioritize conflict resolution or pressure on Russia?</li> <li>Was Armenia’s post-2018 course toward the West a sound strategy or a dangerous misread?</li> <li>Was the loss of Artsakh unavoidable?</li> <li>What should be made of the 2019 proposal to Armenia?</li> <li>Why did Pashinyan’s position on Artsakh shift so sharply after 2021?</li> <li>Is the Artsakh chapter closed, and what would it mean if it is not?</li> <li>Can Armenia’s June elections be judged free and fair under current conditions?</li> <li>Will international monitors assess the election based on facts or politics?</li> <li>How should Armenia’s opposition work with election monitoring organizations?</li> </ul> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h2> <ul> <li> <p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Peacemaking-Nagorno-Karabakh-Opportunities-Rethinking/dp/3032124891">(Anatomy of Peacemaking: Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict &amp; Missed Opportunities (Rethinking Peace and Conflict Studies)</a></p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/538-hrair-balian-anatomy-of-peacemaking-nagorno-karabakh-missed-opportunities-iran-war-tripp-zangezur-corridor-artsakh-negotiations-armenia-elections-osce-odihr/Sun, 03 May 2026 14:30:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/538-hrair-balian-anatomy-of-peacemaking-nagorno-karabakh-missed-opportunities-iran-war-tripp-zangezur-corridor-artsakh-negotiations-armenia-elections-osce-odihr/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Hrair Balian joins us to discuss his book Anatomy of Peacemaking: Nagorno Karabakh Conflict &amp; Missed Opportunities, the failure of diplomacy around Artsakh, and what Armenia should learn from the long collapse of the peace process. The conversation also looks at the Iran war, US and Israeli goals in the region, the TRIPP/Zangezur Corridor and its security impact on Armenia, and the role of outside powers in shaping outcomes in the South Caucasus. The episode closes with a discussion of Armenia’s June parliamentary elections, opposition repression, election monitoring, and whether international observers will judge the vote by facts on the ground or political convenience.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260503-transcript-538-hrair-balian-anatomy-of-peacemaking-nagorno-karabakh-missed-opportunities-iran-war-tripp-zangezur-corridor-artsakh-negotiations-armenia-elections-osce-odihr/Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260503-transcript-538-hrair-balian-anatomy-of-peacemaking-nagorno-karabakh-missed-opportunities-iran-war-tripp-zangezur-corridor-artsakh-negotiations-armenia-elections-osce-odihr/Hrair Balian joins us to discuss his book Anatomy of Peacemaking: Nagorno Karabakh Conflict &amp; Missed Opportunities, the failure of diplomacy around Artsakh, and what Armenia should learn from the long collapse of the peace process. The conversation also looks at the Iran war, US and Israeli goals in the region, the TRIPP/Zangezur Corridor and its security impact on Armenia, and the role of outside powers in shaping outcomes in the South Caucasus. The episode closes with a discussion of Armenia’s June parliamentary elections, opposition repression, election monitoring, and whether international observers will judge the vote by facts on the ground or political convenience. <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/538/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p>https://podcasts.groong.org/537-arega-hovsepyan-strong-armenia-artsakh-right-of-return-arrests-opposition-elections-tripp-zangezur-corridor/Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/537-arega-hovsepyan-strong-armenia-artsakh-right-of-return-arrests-opposition-elections-tripp-zangezur-corridor/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Arega Hovsepyan of the Strong Armenia party about Armenia’s upcoming June 2026 parliamentary elections and the broader political climate. The discussion focuses on recent arrests targeting opposition figures, the situation of displaced Artsakh Armenians, competing narratives around “peace” with Azerbaijan, and the implications of the TRIPP or Zangezur Corridor project. We also examine opposition unity, polling trends, and legal questions surrounding Strong Armenia’s political strategy. <hr> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li>Strong Armenia’s role in the 2026 elections</li> <li>Arrests and legal pressure on opposition figures</li> <li>Conditions and rights of displaced Artsakh Armenians</li> <li>Voting rights and documentation issues for Artsakhtsis</li> <li>Destruction of Armenian cultural heritage in Artsakh</li> <li>Strong Armenia’s position on Artsakh and right of return</li> <li>Prisoners and hostages held in Baku</li> <li>TRIPP / Zangezur Corridor and sovereignty concerns</li> <li>Security guarantees and regional connectivity</li> <li>Impact of Iran conflict on regional projects</li> <li>Polling trends and opposition electoral prospects</li> <li>Coalition-building and opposition unity</li> <li>Legal challenges around Samvel Karapetyan’s candidacy</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>Who is Arega Hovsepyan and what shaped her political path?</li> <li>What is the current status of arrests targeting Strong Armenia members?</li> <li>How credible are the allegations of electoral bribery?</li> <li>Could Strong Armenia face restrictions or bans ahead of elections?</li> <li>What are the living conditions of Artsakh Armenians in Armenia today?</li> <li>How many displaced Artsakhtsis can vote and are they engaged?</li> <li>What is Strong Armenia’s plan for the right of return to Artsakh?</li> <li>How can Armenian prisoners be brought back from Baku?</li> <li>Has Armenia actually achieved peace with Azerbaijan?</li> <li>What risks exist if political power shifts in Armenia?</li> <li>Can TRIPP be reshaped into a mutually beneficial project?</li> <li>What security guarantees would make regional corridors acceptable?</li> <li>How do regional dynamics, including Iran, affect these plans?</li> <li>What do current polls suggest about Strong Armenia’s chances?</li> <li>Will opposition forces unite to form a coalition government?</li> <li>How can Samvel Karapetyan legally become prime minister?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1248584">Senior Strong Armenia party member arrested, authorities confirm</a></li> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/video/1248618">Four arrested in alleged vote-buying case involving Strong Armenia party supporter</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33743681.html">Another Karapetian Ally Arrested</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33743620.html">Azerbaijan Defends Destruction Of Karabakh Armenian Churches</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.rferl.org/a/cathedral-church-demolished-nagorno-karabakh-azerbaijan-armenia-conflict/33743489.html">Photo Exclusive: Cathedral, Church Demolished In Nagorno-Karabakh</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/537-arega-hovsepyan-strong-armenia-artsakh-right-of-return-arrests-opposition-elections-tripp-zangezur-corridor/Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/537-arega-hovsepyan-strong-armenia-artsakh-right-of-return-arrests-opposition-elections-tripp-zangezur-corridor/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Arega Hovsepyan of the Strong Armenia party about Armenia’s upcoming June 2026 parliamentary elections and the broader political climate. The discussion focuses on recent arrests targeting opposition figures, the situation of displaced Artsakh Armenians, competing narratives around “peace” with Azerbaijan, and the implications of the TRIPP or Zangezur Corridor project. We also examine opposition unity, polling trends, and legal questions surrounding Strong Armenia’s political strategy.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260430-transcript-537-arega-hovsepyan-strong-armenia-artsakh-right-of-return-arrests-opposition-elections-tripp-zangezur-corridor/Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260430-transcript-537-arega-hovsepyan-strong-armenia-artsakh-right-of-return-arrests-opposition-elections-tripp-zangezur-corridor/In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Arega Hovsepyan of the Strong Armenia party about Armenia’s upcoming June 2026 parliamentary elections and the broader political climate. The discussion focuses on recent arrests targeting opposition figures, the situation of displaced Artsakh Armenians, competing narratives around “peace” with Azerbaijan, and the implications of the TRIPP or Zangezur Corridor project. We also examine opposition unity, polling trends, and legal questions surrounding Strong Armenia’s political strategy. <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/537/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260428-transcript-536-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-tripp-armenian-genocide-april-24-commemorations-turkish-flag-burning-armenia-parliamentary-election/Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260428-transcript-536-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-tripp-armenian-genocide-april-24-commemorations-turkish-flag-burning-armenia-parliamentary-election/<div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/536/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Arthur Martirosyan - Iran War, Effect on Armenia, June Parliamentary | Ep 536, Apr 26, 2026</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Groong Week in Review - April 26, 2026</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2026-04-28</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 536</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/536">https://podcasts.groong.org/536</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/tu49vlEYJKU">https://youtu.be/tu49vlEYJKU</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/amartirosyan">Arthur G. Martirosyan</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/amartirosyan">Arthur G. Martirosyan</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/536-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-tripp-armenian-genocide-april-24-commemorations-turkish-flag-burning-armenia-parliamentary-election/Tue, 28 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/536-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-tripp-armenian-genocide-april-24-commemorations-turkish-flag-burning-armenia-parliamentary-election/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li>Iran war reshapes regional balance</li> <li>TRIPP corridor faces uncertainty</li> <li>Peace narrative vs reality</li> <li>Armenia–Turkey normalization limits</li> <li>Russia’s role in Iran talks</li> <li>Genocide commemoration narratives</li> <li>Artsakh continuity debate</li> <li>Flag burning controversy</li> <li>EU summits and election timing</li> <li>Armenian election dynamics</li> <li>Kocharyan–Sargsyan split</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>Has the Iran war stalled TRIPP?</li> <li>Can peace exist without corridors?</li> <li>What role does Russia play?</li> <li>How should Armenia prepare?</li> <li>Is Genocide memory a liability?</li> <li>How to interpret April 24 messaging?</li> <li>Is flag burning effective protest?</li> <li>Are EU events political theater?</li> <li>Has real peace been achieved?</li> <li>What shapes election outcomes?</li> <li>Can opposition unify?</li> </ul> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1248278">EU–Armenia engagement and political messaging</a></li> <li><a href="https://verelq.am/hy/node/172405">Regional political developments and analysis</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/536-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-tripp-armenian-genocide-april-24-commemorations-turkish-flag-burning-armenia-parliamentary-election/Tue, 28 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/536-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-tripp-armenian-genocide-april-24-commemorations-turkish-flag-burning-armenia-parliamentary-election/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>We examine how the Iran war fallout and the extension of the ceasefire are reshaping Armenia’s geopolitical position. We break down the push for the TRIPP or Zangezur Corridor and the claims of Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization, and assess how they tie to regional power dynamics involving Iran, Russia, Turkey, and the United States. The episode also covers Armenia’s 2026 elections and rising elite tensions. In addition, we discuss the global commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, contrasting international messaging with domestic narratives and linking it to ongoing debates around Artsakh and historical continuity.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/535-philippe-raffi-kalfayan-monitoring-the-june-2026-parliamentary-election-in-armenia/Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/535-philippe-raffi-kalfayan-monitoring-the-june-2026-parliamentary-election-in-armenia/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> Dr. Philippe Raffi Kalfayan joined Groong to discuss the International Observatory for Democracy in Armenia (IODA), its work ahead of Armenia’s June 7, 2026 parliamentary elections, and the risks it sees in the pre-election environment. The conversation covered IODA’s mission, its first fact-finding trip to Armenia, concerns about judicial control and administrative resources, questions about OSCE/ODIHR and EU impartiality, and the pressure facing opposition figures and parties before election day. <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li>IODA’s election role</li> <li>Armenia’s 2026 election risks</li> <li>Observer impartiality concerns</li> <li>Voter list and fraud concerns</li> <li>Pressure on the opposition</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li> <p>Why did Raffi Kalfayan launch IODA, and what does the organization aim to monitor before Armenia’s parliamentary elections?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/535-philippe-raffi-kalfayan-monitoring-the-june-2026-parliamentary-election-in-armenia/Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/535-philippe-raffi-kalfayan-monitoring-the-june-2026-parliamentary-election-in-armenia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Dr. Philippe Raffi Kalfayan joined Groong to discuss the International Observatory for Democracy in Armenia (IODA), its work ahead of Armenia’s June 7, 2026 parliamentary elections, and the risks it sees in the pre-election environment. The conversation covered IODA’s mission, its first fact-finding trip to Armenia, concerns about judicial control and administrative resources, questions about OSCE/ODIHR and EU impartiality, and the pressure facing opposition figures and parties before election day.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260427-transcript-535-philippe-raffi-kalfayan-monitoring-the-june-2026-parliamentary-election-in-armenia/Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260427-transcript-535-philippe-raffi-kalfayan-monitoring-the-june-2026-parliamentary-election-in-armenia/Dr. Philippe Raffi Kalfayan joined Groong to discuss the International Observatory for Democracy in Armenia (IODA), its work ahead of Armenia’s June 7, 2026 parliamentary elections, and the risks it sees in the pre-election environment. The conversation covered IODA’s mission, its first fact-finding trip to Armenia, concerns about judicial control and administrative resources, questions about OSCE/ODIHR and EU impartiality, and the pressure facing opposition figures and parties before election day. <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/535/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p>https://podcasts.groong.org/534-dmitry-suslov-russia-geopolitics-armenia-iran-war-ukraine-usa-trump-israel-nakhichevan-drones-uav/Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/534-dmitry-suslov-russia-geopolitics-armenia-iran-war-ukraine-usa-trump-israel-nakhichevan-drones-uav/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of the Groong podcast, we speak with Dr. Dmitry Suslov about the shifting geopolitical landscape across the Iran war, the Ukraine conflict, and the South Caucasus. We examine the fragile state of the Iran war and its impact on global trade and regional escalation, Russia’s strategic positioning, and the potential for a broader conflict involving Azerbaijan and Turkey. The discussion then turns to the Ukraine war, focusing on attrition, Europe’s growing militarization, and the prospects for a long-term Russia–Europe confrontation. Finally, we explore Russia’s policy in the South Caucasus, including Armenia’s political trajectory, tensions following Pashinyan’s Moscow visit, and the broader balance of power shaping Armenia’s future.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/534-dmitry-suslov-russia-geopolitics-armenia-iran-war-ukraine-usa-trump-israel-nakhichevan-drones-uav/Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/534-dmitry-suslov-russia-geopolitics-armenia-iran-war-ukraine-usa-trump-israel-nakhichevan-drones-uav/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of the Groong podcast, we speak with Dr. Dmitry Suslov about the shifting geopolitical landscape across the Iran war, the Ukraine conflict, and the South Caucasus. We examine the fragile state of the Iran war and its impact on global trade and regional escalation, Russia’s strategic positioning, and the potential for a broader conflict involving Azerbaijan and Turkey. The discussion then turns to the Ukraine war, focusing on attrition, Europe’s growing militarization, and the prospects for a long-term Russia–Europe confrontation. Finally, we explore Russia’s policy in the South Caucasus, including Armenia’s political trajectory, tensions following Pashinyan’s Moscow visit, and the broader balance of power shaping Armenia’s future.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260425-transcript-534-dmitry-suslov-russia-geopolitics-armenia-iran-war-ukraine-usa-trump-israel-nakhichevan-drones-uav/Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260425-transcript-534-dmitry-suslov-russia-geopolitics-armenia-iran-war-ukraine-usa-trump-israel-nakhichevan-drones-uav/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/534/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Dmitry Suslov - War, Leverage, and Corridors, Russia’s View from All Fronts | Ep 534, Apr 25, 2026</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong - 04/25/2026</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2026-04-25</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 534</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/534">https://podcasts.groong.org/534</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/kjUQN8LVuFk">https://youtu.be/kjUQN8LVuFk</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/dsuslov">Dr. Dmitry Suslov (Дмитрий Вячеславович Суслов)</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/dsuslov">Dr. Dmitry Suslov</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/533-warwick-powell-thermoeconomics-iran-new-geopolitical-economy-armenia-data-centers-ai/Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/533-warwick-powell-thermoeconomics-iran-new-geopolitical-economy-armenia-data-centers-ai/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <p><strong>Prof. Warwick Powell</strong> discusses his thermoeconomic view of world politics, where energy, money, and information form a single system. We connect the war on Iran to declining U.S. energy efficiency, the limits of airpower, de-dollarization, and the rise of alternative financial and information architectures. We also bring the conversation back to Armenia, asking what TRIPP, SMRs, and large AI data centers could mean for a small state trying to protect its energy and information sovereignty. We close by reflecting on considerations for Armenia in implementing centralized data infrastructure, more distributed computing, and focusing on larger nuclear power plants to generate the electricity needed for such information infrastructures.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/533-warwick-powell-thermoeconomics-iran-new-geopolitical-economy-armenia-data-centers-ai/Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/533-warwick-powell-thermoeconomics-iran-new-geopolitical-economy-armenia-data-centers-ai/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Prof. Warwick Powell discusses his thermoeconomic view of world politics, where energy, money, and information form a single system. We connect the war on Iran to declining U.S. energy efficiency, the limits of airpower, de-dollarization, and the rise of alternative financial and information architectures. We also bring the conversation back to Armenia, asking what TRIPP, SMRs, and large AI data centers could mean for a small state trying to protect its energy and information sovereignty. We close by reflecting on considerations for Armenia in implementing centralized data infrastructure, more distributed computing, and focusing on larger nuclear power plants to generate the electricity needed for such information infrastructures.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260423-transcript-533-warwick-powell-thermoeconomics-iran-new-geopolitical-economy-armenia-data-centers-ai/Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260423-transcript-533-warwick-powell-thermoeconomics-iran-new-geopolitical-economy-armenia-data-centers-ai/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/533/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Warwick Powell - ThermoEconomics, Iran, and the New Geopolitical Economy | Ep 533, Apr 23, 2026</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong - 04/23/2026</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2026-04-23</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 533</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/533">https://podcasts.groong.org/533</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/8upbRV0lzjE">https://youtu.be/8upbRV0lzjE</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/wpowell">Warwick Powell</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/wpowell">Dr. Warwick Powell</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p> </blockquote> <p><strong>Asbed:</strong> The war on Iran is not just about missiles, oil, or even the Middle East. According to our guest today, it is also about who controls energy, money, technology, and the rules of the next world order. And as the dollar weakens, supply chains shift, and new power blocks take shape. Where does that leave small states like Armenia?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/532-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-war-antalya-diplomatic-forum-armenian-parliamentary-elections/Tue, 21 Apr 2026 04:30:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/532-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-war-antalya-diplomatic-forum-armenian-parliamentary-elections/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>In this Week in Review episode, Ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian discusses the stalled Iran negotiations after the Islamabad talks, the renewed pressure around Hormuz and the naval blockade, Turkey’s posture toward Israel and the region; Armenia’s lower-profile participation in the Antalya Diplomatic Forum; Russia’s shifting rhetoric on TRIPP and the South Caucasus; and the June 7 parliamentary election in Armenia, including constitutional changes, border concessions, the gas pipeline rerouting issue, and the use of surveillance and arrests against opposition figures.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/532-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-war-antalya-diplomatic-forum-armenian-parliamentary-elections/Tue, 21 Apr 2026 04:30:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/532-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-war-antalya-diplomatic-forum-armenian-parliamentary-elections/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review episode, Ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian discusses the stalled Iran negotiations after the Islamabad talks, the renewed pressure around Hormuz and the naval blockade, Turkey’s posture toward Israel and the region; Armenia’s lower-profile participation in the Antalya Diplomatic Forum; Russia’s shifting rhetoric on TRIPP and the South Caucasus; and the June 7 parliamentary election in Armenia, including constitutional changes, border concessions, the gas pipeline rerouting issue, and the use of surveillance and arrests against opposition figures.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260421-transcript-532-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-war-antalya-diplomatic-forum-armenian-parliamentary-elections/Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260421-transcript-532-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-war-antalya-diplomatic-forum-armenian-parliamentary-elections/<p>In this Week in Review episode, Ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian discusses the stalled Iran negotiations after the Islamabad talks, the renewed pressure around Hormuz and the naval blockade, Turkey’s posture toward Israel and the region; Armenia’s lower-profile participation in the Antalya Diplomatic Forum; Russia’s shifting rhetoric on TRIPP and the South Caucasus; and the June 7 parliamentary election in Armenia, including constitutional changes, border concessions, the gas pipeline rerouting issue, and the use of surveillance and arrests against opposition figures.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/531-hrant-mikaelian-us-iran-talks-in-islamabad-viktor-orban-loses-hungary-elections-armenian-elections-mpg-polls/Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/531-hrant-mikaelian-us-iran-talks-in-islamabad-viktor-orban-loses-hungary-elections-armenian-elections-mpg-polls/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>This Week in Review examines how foreign shocks and internal political pressures are converging for Armenia. We look at the breakdown of US-Iran talks and the threat of a new naval blockade, Viktor Orban’s defeat in Hungary and what it may mean for the region, and fresh polling in Armenia on security, war, free speech, voter participation, and party support ahead of the 2026 elections. The episode also explores whether the Abkhaz railway could offer Armenia a real alternative to routes that deepen dependence on Azerbaijan and Turkey, and what the latest polling says about the opposition’s position.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/531-hrant-mikaelian-us-iran-talks-in-islamabad-viktor-orban-loses-hungary-elections-armenian-elections-mpg-polls/Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/531-hrant-mikaelian-us-iran-talks-in-islamabad-viktor-orban-loses-hungary-elections-armenian-elections-mpg-polls/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Week in Review examines how foreign shocks and internal political pressures are converging for Armenia. We look at the breakdown of US-Iran talks and the threat of a new naval blockade, Viktor Orban’s defeat in Hungary and what it may mean for the region, and fresh polling in Armenia on security, war, free speech, voter participation, and party support ahead of the 2026 elections. The episode also explores whether the Abkhaz railway could offer Armenia a real alternative to routes that deepen dependence on Azerbaijan and Turkey, and what the latest polling says about the opposition’s position.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260416-transcript-531-hrant-mikaelian-us-iran-talks-in-islamabad-viktor-orban-loses-hungary-elections-armenian-elections-mpg-polls/Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260416-transcript-531-hrant-mikaelian-us-iran-talks-in-islamabad-viktor-orban-loses-hungary-elections-armenian-elections-mpg-polls/<p>This Week in Review examines how foreign shocks and internal political pressures are converging for Armenia. We look at the breakdown of US-Iran talks and the threat of a new naval blockade, Viktor Orban’s defeat in Hungary and what it may mean for the region, and fresh polling in Armenia on security, war, free speech, voter participation, and party support ahead of the 2026 elections. The episode also explores whether the Abkhaz railway could offer Armenia a real alternative to routes that deepen dependence on Azerbaijan and Turkey, and what the latest polling says about the opposition’s position.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/530-iran-war-2016-april-four-day-war-pashinyan-in-moscow-armenia-politics-election/Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/530-iran-war-2016-april-four-day-war-pashinyan-in-moscow-armenia-politics-election/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>In this Week in Review, Hovik and Asbed discussed the escalating US-Israeli war on Iran and the danger of a wider regional catastrophe; we reflected on the tenth anniversary of the April 2016 Four-Day War and what it revealed about Armenia’s military and diplomatic posture; we examined the fallout from Pashinyan’s Moscow visit and the increasingly blunt Russian response, and reviewed the fast-moving Armenian election campaign, including pressure on the opposition, EU involvement, and the emerging strategies of major the various alliances.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/530-iran-war-2016-april-four-day-war-pashinyan-in-moscow-armenia-politics-election/Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/530-iran-war-2016-april-four-day-war-pashinyan-in-moscow-armenia-politics-election/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review, Hovik and Asbed discussed the escalating US-Israeli war on Iran and the danger of a wider regional catastrophe; we reflected on the tenth anniversary of the April 2016 Four-Day War and what it revealed about Armenia’s military and diplomatic posture; we examined the fallout from Pashinyan’s Moscow visit and the increasingly blunt Russian response, and reviewed the fast-moving Armenian election campaign, including pressure on the opposition, EU involvement, and the emerging strategies of major the various alliances.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260408-transcript-530-iran-war-2016-april-four-day-war-pashinyan-in-moscow-armenia-politics-election/Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260408-transcript-530-iran-war-2016-april-four-day-war-pashinyan-in-moscow-armenia-politics-election/<p>In this Week in Review, Hovik and Asbed discussed the escalating US-Israeli war on Iran and the danger of a wider regional catastrophe; we reflected on the tenth anniversary of the April 2016 Four-Day War and what it revealed about Armenia’s military and diplomatic posture; we examined the fallout from Pashinyan’s Moscow visit and the increasingly blunt Russian response, and reviewed the fast-moving Armenian election campaign, including pressure on the opposition, EU involvement, and the emerging strategies of major the various alliances.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/529-pietro-shakarian-iran-war-trump-armenia-russia-relations-parliamentary-election-2026/Sat, 04 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/529-pietro-shakarian-iran-war-trump-armenia-russia-relations-parliamentary-election-2026/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>Dr. Pietro Shakarian joined us to discuss the state of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, the shrinking chances for a diplomatic off-ramp, and how the conflict is shifting wider Eurasian politics. The conversation then turned to Armenia, including the likely freezing of TRIPP amid the Iran war, Pashinyan’s contentious visit to Moscow, and the deeper low point in Armenia-Russia relations. The final section focused on Armenia’s June parliamentary elections, public sentiment toward Pashinyan, fears over election integrity, and the evolving opposition landscape.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/529-pietro-shakarian-iran-war-trump-armenia-russia-relations-parliamentary-election-2026/Sat, 04 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/529-pietro-shakarian-iran-war-trump-armenia-russia-relations-parliamentary-election-2026/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Dr. Pietro Shakarian joined us to discuss the state of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, the shrinking chances for a diplomatic off-ramp, and how the conflict is shifting wider Eurasian politics. The conversation then turned to Armenia, including the likely freezing of TRIPP amid the Iran war, Pashinyan’s contentious visit to Moscow, and the deeper low point in Armenia-Russia relations. The final section focused on Armenia’s June parliamentary elections, public sentiment toward Pashinyan, fears over election integrity, and the evolving opposition landscape.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260404-transcript-529-pietro-shakarian-iran-war-trump-armenia-russia-relations-parliamentary-election-2026/Sat, 04 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260404-transcript-529-pietro-shakarian-iran-war-trump-armenia-russia-relations-parliamentary-election-2026/<p>Dr. Pietro Shakarian joined us to discuss the state of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, the shrinking chances for a diplomatic off-ramp, and how the conflict is shifting wider Eurasian politics. The conversation then turned to Armenia, including the likely freezing of TRIPP amid the Iran war, Pashinyan’s contentious visit to Moscow, and the deeper low point in Armenia-Russia relations. The final section focused on Armenia’s June parliamentary elections, public sentiment toward Pashinyan, fears over election integrity, and the evolving opposition landscape.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/528-anna-karapetyan-iran-war-armenian-elections-pashinyan-fake-narratives-fear-mongering-silencing-talk-of-artsakh/Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:10:36 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/528-anna-karapetyan-iran-war-armenian-elections-pashinyan-fake-narratives-fear-mongering-silencing-talk-of-artsakh/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>Our guest Anna Karapetyan focused on the widening Iran war and its possible fallout for Armenia, then turned to the narratives shaping Armenia’s election season. The discussion examined Pashinyan’s claim to have delivered peace, the taboo around speaking about Artsakh and Artsakhtsis’ rights, the uncertainty around the TRIPP corridor project, the political use of fear that an opposition victory would bring war, and the security and environmental questions surrounding a proposed AI data center. In the closing segment, the participants reflected on the broader propaganda environment in Armenia and on Formula 1’s continued partnership with authoritarian states such as Azerbaijan.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/528-anna-karapetyan-iran-war-armenian-elections-pashinyan-fake-narratives-fear-mongering-silencing-talk-of-artsakh/Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:10:36 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/528-anna-karapetyan-iran-war-armenian-elections-pashinyan-fake-narratives-fear-mongering-silencing-talk-of-artsakh/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Our guest Anna Karapetyan focused on the widening Iran war and its possible fallout for Armenia, then turned to the narratives shaping Armenia’s election season. The discussion examined Pashinyan’s claim to have delivered peace, the taboo around speaking about Artsakh and Artsakhtsis’ rights, the uncertainty around the TRIPP corridor project, the political use of fear that an opposition victory would bring war, and the security and environmental questions surrounding a proposed AI data center. In the closing segment, the participants reflected on the broader propaganda environment in Armenia and on Formula 1’s continued partnership with authoritarian states such as Azerbaijan.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/527-armenian-catholicos-karekin-ii-banned-from-georgian-catholicos-ilia-ii-funeral-iran-war-armenia-parliamentary-elections/Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/527-armenian-catholicos-karekin-ii-banned-from-georgian-catholicos-ilia-ii-funeral-iran-war-armenia-parliamentary-elections/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>This Week in Review featured Asbed and Hovik without a guest. We discussed the death of Georgian Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II and the Armenian government’s blocking of Catholicos of all Armenians Karekin II from attending the funeral; the latest turn in the Iran war and what it could mean for Armenia and the wider region; Israel’s renewed ground operation in southern Lebanon; and Armenia’s June elections, including political prisoners, media freedom, Civil Contract’s campaign tactics, the opposition field, EU involvement, and Strong Armenia’s messaging on TRIPP and security.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/527-armenian-catholicos-karekin-ii-banned-from-georgian-catholicos-ilia-ii-funeral-iran-war-armenia-parliamentary-elections/Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/527-armenian-catholicos-karekin-ii-banned-from-georgian-catholicos-ilia-ii-funeral-iran-war-armenia-parliamentary-elections/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Week in Review featured Asbed and Hovik without a guest. We discussed the death of Georgian Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II and the Armenian government’s blocking of Catholicos of all Armenians Karekin II from attending the funeral; the latest turn in the Iran war and what it could mean for Armenia and the wider region; Israel’s renewed ground operation in southern Lebanon; and Armenia’s June elections, including political prisoners, media freedom, Civil Contract’s campaign tactics, the opposition field, EU involvement, and Strong Armenia’s messaging on TRIPP and security.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/526-youngmin-youngminskies-visit-to-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh-in-2026-armenia/Sun, 22 Mar 2026 18:30:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/526-youngmin-youngminskies-visit-to-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh-in-2026-armenia/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>YoungMin joins Groong to discuss his visit to Artsakh after the 2023 ethnic cleansing of its Armenian population. The conversation focuses on why he chose to go, the permit and tour system that now governs access, the controlled and selective nature of what foreign visitors are allowed to see, and the emotional impact of witnessing emptied towns, redevelopment, and cultural erasure. YoungMin also reflects on how his own Korean background shaped his response to Artsakh, and offers closing thoughts on memory, recovery, and Armenia’s future.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/526-youngmin-youngminskies-visit-to-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh-in-2026-armenia/Sun, 22 Mar 2026 18:30:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/526-youngmin-youngminskies-visit-to-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh-in-2026-armenia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>YoungMin joins Groong to discuss his visit to Artsakh after the 2023 ethnic cleansing of its Armenian population. The conversation focuses on why he chose to go, the permit and tour system that now governs access, the controlled and selective nature of what foreign visitors are allowed to see, and the emotional impact of witnessing emptied towns, redevelopment, and cultural erasure. YoungMin also reflects on how his own Korean background shaped his response to Artsakh, and offers closing thoughts on memory, recovery, and Armenia’s future.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/525-eldar-mamedov-iran-war-azerbaijan-israel-nakhichevan-south-azerbaijan-turkey/Sun, 22 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/525-eldar-mamedov-iran-war-azerbaijan-israel-nakhichevan-south-azerbaijan-turkey/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>We speak with Eldar Mamedov about the widening regional dimensions of the Iran war, with a focus on Azerbaijan’s role, the risk of a northern front, and the strategic interests of Israel, Turkey, and the United States. We examine whether there are any realistic offramps to end the war, how tensions between Iran and Azerbaijan have evolved after the Nakhijevan flareup, what Azerbaijan’s ties with Israel may mean in practice, and how recent constitutional changes in Nakhijevan may reflect deeper geopolitical shifts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/525-eldar-mamedov-iran-war-azerbaijan-israel-nakhichevan-south-azerbaijan-turkey/Sun, 22 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/525-eldar-mamedov-iran-war-azerbaijan-israel-nakhichevan-south-azerbaijan-turkey/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>We speak with Eldar Mamedov about the widening regional dimensions of the Iran war, with a focus on Azerbaijan’s role, the risk of a northern front, and the strategic interests of Israel, Turkey, and the United States. We examine whether there are any realistic offramps to end the war, how tensions between Iran and Azerbaijan have evolved after the Nakhijevan flareup, what Azerbaijan’s ties with Israel may mean in practice, and how recent constitutional changes in Nakhijevan may reflect deeper geopolitical shifts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/524-varuzhan-geghamyan-iran-war-zangezur-corridor-syunik-nakhijevan/Fri, 20 Mar 2026 23:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/524-varuzhan-geghamyan-iran-war-zangezur-corridor-syunik-nakhijevan/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>We examine the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran through a regional lens, focusing on the war’s broader strategic aims, Azerbaijan’s possible role as a northern pressure point against Iran, Turkey’s ambiguous posture, and Armenia’s growing vulnerability in the middle of these shifts. Prof.Geghamyan also looks at the geopolitical meaning of the TRIPP or “Zangezur Corridor” project, the recent centralization of control over Nakhijevan, and Geghamyan’s new book “The Armenian Wedge in the Path of Turan: The Issue of the “Zangezur Corridor,” on the historical roots and present danger of the corridor agenda.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/524-varuzhan-geghamyan-iran-war-zangezur-corridor-syunik-nakhijevan/Fri, 20 Mar 2026 23:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/524-varuzhan-geghamyan-iran-war-zangezur-corridor-syunik-nakhijevan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>We examine the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran through a regional lens, focusing on the war’s broader strategic aims, Azerbaijan’s possible role as a northern pressure point against Iran, Turkey’s ambiguous posture, and Armenia’s growing vulnerability in the middle of these shifts. Prof.Geghamyan also looks at the geopolitical meaning of the TRIPP or “Zangezur Corridor” project, the recent centralization of control over Nakhijevan, and Geghamyan’s new book “The Armenian Wedge in the Path of Turan: The Issue of the “Zangezur Corridor,” on the historical roots and present danger of the corridor agenda.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/522-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-effect-on-armenia-parliamentary-election-2026/Mon, 16 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/522-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-effect-on-armenia-parliamentary-election-2026/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>Arthur Martirosyan examines the ongoing U.S.–Israel war on Iran and its uncertain trajectory, focusing on escalation risks, strategic objectives, and potential diplomatic offramps. The discussion then turns to regional spillover effects, particularly the risks for Armenia amid Iran–Azerbaijan tensions and broader geopolitical shifts. We conclude with an analysis of Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary elections, including the fragmented opposition landscape, concerns about electoral fairness, and contradictions in public opinion reflected in recent polling.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/522-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-effect-on-armenia-parliamentary-election-2026/Mon, 16 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/522-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-effect-on-armenia-parliamentary-election-2026/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Arthur Martirosyan examines the ongoing U.S.–Israel war on Iran and its uncertain trajectory, focusing on escalation risks, strategic objectives, and potential diplomatic offramps. The discussion then turns to regional spillover effects, particularly the risks for Armenia amid Iran–Azerbaijan tensions and broader geopolitical shifts. We conclude with an analysis of Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary elections, including the fragmented opposition landscape, concerns about electoral fairness, and contradictions in public opinion reflected in recent polling.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/521-hrant-mikaelian-iran-war-iri-poll-survey-armenian-political-landscape-for-2026-parliamentary-election/Wed, 11 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/521-hrant-mikaelian-iran-war-iri-poll-survey-armenian-political-landscape-for-2026-parliamentary-election/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>We discuss with Hrant Mikaelian the expanding war on Iran and what it could mean for the region. We took a close look at the latest IRI poll and its disputed methodology and findings, and the emerging shape of Armenia’s parliamentary race. Hrant Mikaelian argued that Iran’s leadership transition signals greater resolve rather than collapse, that Azerbaijan is still constrained from direct action against Iran unless the Iranian state seriously weakens, and that the IRI poll raises major methodological and interpretive questions. The discussion then turned to the opposition field in Armenia, where newer forces may have room to grow, but where media imbalance and weak opposition reach remain major structural obstacles.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/521-hrant-mikaelian-iran-war-iri-poll-survey-armenian-political-landscape-for-2026-parliamentary-election/Wed, 11 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/521-hrant-mikaelian-iran-war-iri-poll-survey-armenian-political-landscape-for-2026-parliamentary-election/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>We discuss with Hrant Mikaelian the expanding war on Iran and what it could mean for the region. We took a close look at the latest IRI poll and its disputed methodology and findings, and the emerging shape of Armenia’s parliamentary race. Hrant Mikaelian argued that Iran’s leadership transition signals greater resolve rather than collapse, that Azerbaijan is still constrained from direct action against Iran unless the Iranian state seriously weakens, and that the IRI poll raises major methodological and interpretive questions. The discussion then turned to the opposition field in Armenia, where newer forces may have room to grow, but where media imbalance and weak opposition reach remain major structural obstacles.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/520-hrant-mikaelian-iran-war-usa-israel-armenia-turkey-azerbaijan-russia-china-sumgait-pogroms/Wed, 04 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/520-hrant-mikaelian-iran-war-usa-israel-armenia-turkey-azerbaijan-russia-china-sumgait-pogroms/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>On this Week in Review, we discuss with Hrant Mikaelian the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran, how it began, what the first days suggest about objectives, and how Iran has responded across the region. We also explore what an Iranian weakening or collapse could mean for Armenia, including how Turkey and Azerbaijan might behave if Iran becomes distracted or destabilized. We close with the commemoration of the Sumgait pogroms in 1988, and what Hrant describes as the through-line from Sumgait to later anti-Armenian violence.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/520-hrant-mikaelian-iran-war-usa-israel-armenia-turkey-azerbaijan-russia-china-sumgait-pogroms/Wed, 04 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/520-hrant-mikaelian-iran-war-usa-israel-armenia-turkey-azerbaijan-russia-china-sumgait-pogroms/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>On this Week in Review, we discuss with Hrant Mikaelian the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran, how it began, what the first days suggest about objectives, and how Iran has responded across the region. We also explore what an Iranian weakening or collapse could mean for Armenia, including how Turkey and Azerbaijan might behave if Iran becomes distracted or destabilized. We close with the commemoration of the Sumgait pogroms in 1988, and what Hrant describes as the through-line from Sumgait to later anti-Armenian violence.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/519-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-war-fears-us-iran-talks-israel-pressure-june-7-elections-civil-contract-media-ban-charity-restrictions-eu-rapid-response-armenian-church-karekin-ii-tripp/Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:30:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/519-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-war-fears-us-iran-talks-israel-pressure-june-7-elections-civil-contract-media-ban-charity-restrictions-eu-rapid-response-armenian-church-karekin-ii-tripp/<p>This Week in Review covers three major threads, the risk of escalation around Iran and what it means for Armenia’s regional posture, the growing set of legal and political moves shaping Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary elections, and the continuing confrontation between Nikol Pashinyan’s government and the Armenian Church, including actions affecting Catholicos Karekin II and senior clergy.</p> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li>Iran war fears, the state of US-Iran talks, and Israeli pressure for maximal demands</li> <li>Armenia-Iran ties, senior Armenian visits to Tehran, and how TRIPP affects trust</li> <li>June 7 parliamentary elections, rule changes, and claims of an uneven playing field</li> <li>Opposition landscape and how major blocs are forming ahead of June 7</li> <li>Escalating clash between the government and the Armenian Church</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>How likely is a near-term war on Iran, and what are the red lines in the talks?</li> <li>Where do Trump’s instincts differ from Israel and US hardliners on Iran?</li> <li>Why the recent stream of senior Armenian visits to Tehran, and what is Iran watching for?</li> <li>How has TRIPP changed Iran-Armenia trust and risk perceptions?</li> <li>What does the current opposition lineup suggest about June 7 scenarios?</li> <li>Is the Church conflict targeted at Karekin II, or aimed at the institution itself?</li> <li>Who benefits from a weakened or divided Armenian Church?</li> </ul> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-evaluating-potential-measures-event-iran-us-conflict-source-says-2026-02-25/">Turkey evaluating potential measures in event of Iran-US conflict, source says (Reuters)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/azh-yntroutyounneroum-koalitsia-kazmelou-sahmanapakoum-chi-lini-i-nch-popokhoutyounner-en-ouzhi-mej-mtel/33685523.html">Higher bar for electoral alliances (Azatutyun)</a></li> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1243011">Pashinyan announces pension increase starting April 1 (Armenpress)</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/519-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-war-fears-us-iran-talks-israel-pressure-june-7-elections-civil-contract-media-ban-charity-restrictions-eu-rapid-response-armenian-church-karekin-ii-tripp/Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:30:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/519-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-war-fears-us-iran-talks-israel-pressure-june-7-elections-civil-contract-media-ban-charity-restrictions-eu-rapid-response-armenian-church-karekin-ii-tripp/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Week in Review covers three major threads, the risk of escalation around Iran and what it means for Armenia’s regional posture, the growing set of legal and political moves shaping Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary elections, and the continuing confrontation between Nikol Pashinyan’s government and the Armenian Church, including actions affecting Catholicos Karekin II and senior clergy.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/519/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/518-zaroui-pogossian-vartanank-battle-of-avarayr-451-ad/Tue, 24 Feb 2026 18:30:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/518-zaroui-pogossian-vartanank-battle-of-avarayr-451-ad/<p>In the inaugural <strong>Groong Deep History</strong> episode, historian <strong>Prof. Zaroui Pogossian</strong> joins the show to unpack the <strong>Vardanank wars</strong> and the <strong>Battle of Avarayr (451 AD)</strong>. The conversation sets the longer political and religious context behind the conflict, explains what we can and cannot know from the main Armenian sources, and revisits the standard “moral victory” story through modern source criticism. Pogossian also discusses her work on medieval Armenia and previews an upcoming scholarly volume on <strong>Medieval Yeghegis</strong>, then uses a critical reading by <strong>Hayk Hakobyan</strong> to question common assumptions about Avarayr’s scale, geography, and strategy.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/518-zaroui-pogossian-vartanank-battle-of-avarayr-451-ad/Tue, 24 Feb 2026 18:30:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/518-zaroui-pogossian-vartanank-battle-of-avarayr-451-ad/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In the inaugural Groong Deep History episode, historian Prof. Zaroui Pogossian joins the show to unpack the Vardanank wars and the Battle of Avarayr (451 AD). The conversation sets the longer political and religious context behind the conflict, explains what we can and cannot know from the main Armenian sources, and revisits the standard “moral victory” story through modern source criticism. Pogossian also discusses her work on medieval Armenia and previews an upcoming scholarly volume on Medieval Yeghegis, then uses a critical reading by Hayk Hakobyan to question common assumptions about Avarayr’s scale, geography, and strategy.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/517-jd-vance-visit-armenia-yerevan-tsitsernakaberd-armenian-genocide-autocorrect-diplomacy-staffer-error-tripp-zangezur-corridor-us-stake-small-nuclear-reactor-smr-peaceful-nuclear-cooperation-firebird-ai-factory-drones-church-silence-baku-aliyev/Sun, 15 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/517-jd-vance-visit-armenia-yerevan-tsitsernakaberd-armenian-genocide-autocorrect-diplomacy-staffer-error-tripp-zangezur-corridor-us-stake-small-nuclear-reactor-smr-peaceful-nuclear-cooperation-firebird-ai-factory-drones-church-silence-baku-aliyev/<p>JD Vance’s visit to Armenia became a case study in symbolism, protocol, and leverage. Asbed and Hovik unpack what the trip signaled in Yerevan and Baku, from the Tsitsernakaberd controversy and “autocorrect diplomacy,” to the unanswered details behind TRIPP, the nuclear “peaceful cooperation” announcement, and the Firebird AI factory claims. They also weigh what Vance did not address, including the crackdown on the Armenian Church and the practical limits of US defense sales, then compare the Armenia stop to the Azerbaijan stop and the “Strategic Partnership Charter.”</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/517-jd-vance-visit-armenia-yerevan-tsitsernakaberd-armenian-genocide-autocorrect-diplomacy-staffer-error-tripp-zangezur-corridor-us-stake-small-nuclear-reactor-smr-peaceful-nuclear-cooperation-firebird-ai-factory-drones-church-silence-baku-aliyev/Sun, 15 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/517-jd-vance-visit-armenia-yerevan-tsitsernakaberd-armenian-genocide-autocorrect-diplomacy-staffer-error-tripp-zangezur-corridor-us-stake-small-nuclear-reactor-smr-peaceful-nuclear-cooperation-firebird-ai-factory-drones-church-silence-baku-aliyev/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>JD Vance’s visit to Armenia became a case study in symbolism, protocol, and leverage. Asbed and Hovik unpack what the trip signaled in Yerevan and Baku, from the Tsitsernakaberd controversy and “autocorrect diplomacy,” to the unanswered details behind TRIPP, the nuclear “peaceful cooperation” announcement, and the Firebird AI factory claims. They also weigh what Vance did not address, including the crackdown on the Armenian Church and the practical limits of US defense sales, then compare the Armenia stop to the Azerbaijan stop and the “Strategic Partnership Charter.”</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/516-philippe-raffi-kalfayan-europe-america-jd-vance-in-armenia-pashinyan-vs-armenian-church/Wed, 11 Feb 2026 02:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/516-philippe-raffi-kalfayan-europe-america-jd-vance-in-armenia-pashinyan-vs-armenian-church/<h3></h3> <h1 id="summary">summary</h1> <p>Philippe Raffi Kalfayan argues that “America First” has turned the U.S. into a harder, more transactional power toward Europe, and that Europe is exposed because it still lacks unified defense and foreign policy capacity. The discussion then moves to JD Vance’s reported Armenia stop and the TRIPP, which Kalfayan frames as a long-horizon corridor project that may be “secured” without securing Armenia, with unclear beneficiaries and success conditions Armenia does not fully control. The episode also covers Azerbaijan’s leverage, pressure tied to “returns” narratives, hostages in Baku, and the broader strain between Pashinyan and the Armenian Church, all set against Europe’s limited willingness to pay real costs for Armenia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/516-philippe-raffi-kalfayan-europe-america-jd-vance-in-armenia-pashinyan-vs-armenian-church/Wed, 11 Feb 2026 02:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/516-philippe-raffi-kalfayan-europe-america-jd-vance-in-armenia-pashinyan-vs-armenian-church/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>A European View of America. JD Vance in Armenia. Pashinyan vs. The Armenian Church. Europe and Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/516/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/515-james-carden-pietro-shakarian-global-affairs-in-the-age-of-trump-2.0/Sat, 07 Feb 2026 00:08:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/515-james-carden-pietro-shakarian-global-affairs-in-the-age-of-trump-2.0/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>James W.Carden and Pietro A. Shakarian assess Trump 2.0’s “Donroe Doctrine” framing as branding for coercive, deal-driven policy, then widen the lens to the collapse of “rules-based order” language and the rise of pay-to-play influence concepts like Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace.” The conversation turns to Iran, where escalating pressure, shifting demands, and regional signaling raise the risk of conflict and spillover effects for Armenia. The episode closes on JD Vance’s planned Armenia-Azerbaijan trip, how Moscow and Tehran may read it, and how corridor politics (TRIPP) and Armenia’s church-state confrontation shape the stakes.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/515-james-carden-pietro-shakarian-global-affairs-in-the-age-of-trump-2.0/Sat, 07 Feb 2026 00:08:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/515-james-carden-pietro-shakarian-global-affairs-in-the-age-of-trump-2.0/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>James W.Carden and Pietro A. Shakarian assess Trump 2.0’s “Donroe Doctrine” framing as branding for coercive, deal-driven policy, then widen the lens to the collapse of “rules-based order” language and the rise of pay-to-play influence concepts like Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace.” The conversation turns to Iran, where escalating pressure, shifting demands, and regional signaling raise the risk of conflict and spillover effects for Armenia. The episode closes on JD Vance’s planned Armenia-Azerbaijan trip, how Moscow and Tehran may read it, and how corridor politics (TRIPP) and Armenia’s church-state confrontation shape the stakes.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/513-joel-veldkamp-csi-christian-solidarity-international-visits-armenian-catholicos-jailed-archbishop-bagrat-galstanyan/Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/513-joel-veldkamp-csi-christian-solidarity-international-visits-armenian-catholicos-jailed-archbishop-bagrat-galstanyan/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>Joel Veldkamp (CSI) returns to discuss CSI’s latest Armenia visit, including access to jailed clergy and the condition and message of Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan. The conversation then shifts to Armenia’s posture at international religious freedom forums, including the IRF Summit in Washington, and whether the widening pressure on bishops (including travel restrictions tied to the planned Austria assembly) is getting outside attention. The episode closes with the emerging international record, including a Council of Europe exchange involving Ararat Mirzoyan and questions about whether the government can sustain its narrative ahead of major upcoming international meetings.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/513-joel-veldkamp-csi-christian-solidarity-international-visits-armenian-catholicos-jailed-archbishop-bagrat-galstanyan/Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/513-joel-veldkamp-csi-christian-solidarity-international-visits-armenian-catholicos-jailed-archbishop-bagrat-galstanyan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Joel Veldkamp (CSI) returns to discuss CSI’s latest Armenia visit, including access to jailed clergy and the condition and message of Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan. The conversation then shifts to Armenia’s posture at international religious freedom forums, including the IRF Summit in Washington, and whether the widening pressure on bishops (including travel restrictions tied to the planned Austria assembly) is getting outside attention. The episode closes with the emerging international record, including a Council of Europe exchange involving Ararat Mirzoyan and questions about whether the government can sustain its narrative ahead of major upcoming international meetings.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/512-asbed-hovik-iran-varchaband-war-on-church-mehmet-oz-strong-armenia-narek-karapetyan-noragyugh/Tue, 03 Feb 2026 18:30:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/512-asbed-hovik-iran-varchaband-war-on-church-mehmet-oz-strong-armenia-narek-karapetyan-noragyugh/<h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p> <p>Thanks to <strong>Laura Osborn</strong> for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/512-asbed-hovik-iran-varchaband-war-on-church-mehmet-oz-strong-armenia-narek-karapetyan-noragyugh/Tue, 03 Feb 2026 18:30:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/512-asbed-hovik-iran-varchaband-war-on-church-mehmet-oz-strong-armenia-narek-karapetyan-noragyugh/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Iran Conflict. Varchaband. War on Armenian Church. Mehmet Oz vs Armenian Americans. Narek Karapetyan and Strong Armenia. A Big Beautiful Noragyugh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/512/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/511-david-davidian-armenia-foreign-intelligence-service-annual-report-security-risk-assessment-kristinne-grigoryan/Sat, 31 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/511-david-davidian-armenia-foreign-intelligence-service-annual-report-security-risk-assessment-kristinne-grigoryan/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>David Davidian reviews Armenia’s 2026 External Security Risk Assessment from the Foreign Intelligence Service (FIS) and argues it reads like a generic public document, not a usable intelligence product. He and the hosts discuss why the FIS was split from the National Security Service, what a real risk assessment should deliver (priorities, methods, and actionable guidance), and where the report falls short. The conversation also covers how the report uses “hybrid threats,” how it frames Azerbaijan and the risk of escalation, and why the technology section (AI, data centers, GPUs) raises security and civil-liberty concerns if the state lacks data safeguards and governance.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/511-david-davidian-armenia-foreign-intelligence-service-annual-report-security-risk-assessment-kristinne-grigoryan/Sat, 31 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/511-david-davidian-armenia-foreign-intelligence-service-annual-report-security-risk-assessment-kristinne-grigoryan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>David Davidian reviews Armenia’s 2026 External Security Risk Assessment from the Foreign Intelligence Service (FIS) and argues it reads like a generic public document, not a usable intelligence product. He and the hosts discuss why the FIS was split from the National Security Service, what a real risk assessment should deliver (priorities, methods, and actionable guidance), and where the report falls short. The conversation also covers how the report uses “hybrid threats,” how it frames Azerbaijan and the risk of escalation, and why the technology section (AI, data centers, GPUs) raises security and civil-liberty concerns if the state lacks data safeguards and governance.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/510-arthur-khachatryan-no-peace-davos-jd-vance-armenia-ethnic-cleansing-artsakh/Wed, 28 Jan 2026 02:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/510-arthur-khachatryan-no-peace-davos-jd-vance-armenia-ethnic-cleansing-artsakh/<h3></h3> <h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>At Davos, Mark Carney’s blunt comment that the “rules-based international order” is a myth set the tone for a wider discussion about how small states survive in a system where rules get enforced selectively. From there, our discussion with <strong>MP Arthur Khachatryan</strong> moved to Washington’s announced visit to Armenia and Azerbaijan by VP JD Vance and the TRIPP framing, including what it signals for Armenia’s strategic direction, and how Iran and Russia may react. In further topics, we focused on Armenia’s Church-state crisis (including the bishops’ assembly moving to Austria and the Talin liturgy incident), the last known Armenians leaving Artsakh, and the emergence of a new opposition force tied to the Mer Dzevov movement ahead of the June elections.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/510-arthur-khachatryan-no-peace-davos-jd-vance-armenia-ethnic-cleansing-artsakh/Wed, 28 Jan 2026 02:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/510-arthur-khachatryan-no-peace-davos-jd-vance-armenia-ethnic-cleansing-artsakh/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Memorial Day vs. Army Day. JD Vance to Armenia and Azerbaijan. Armenian Church Developments. Strong Armenia - New Political Party.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/510/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/509-erhan-arik-turkey-ardahan-genocide-horovel-photo-exhibit-gayan-armenian-diaspora-middle-east-ojakh-diana-mkrtchyan/Thu, 22 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/509-erhan-arik-turkey-ardahan-genocide-horovel-photo-exhibit-gayan-armenian-diaspora-middle-east-ojakh-diana-mkrtchyan/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>Bedros Afeyan speaks with photographer and photojournalist Erhan Arik about the personal shock that drove him to make <strong>Horovel</strong>, his long-term work with elderly Armenians in Armenia whose families came from historic Armenian regions, and the ethical choices involved in witnessing, listening, and photographing. They then discuss the return journey that became <strong>Ojakh</strong> with Diana Mkrtchyan, how authorship changes when the camera and narrative belong to someone else, and what it means to become a character in another person’s film. The conversation broadens to <strong>Gayan</strong>, Erhan’s Middle East work across several countries, and how Armenian identity, memory, and community adapt across different political and social contexts. They close with Erhan’s current documentary project <strong>Our Seeds (Tohum)</strong>, using the story of an ancient wheat seed tradition as a metaphor for inheritance, rupture, and continuity.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/509-erhan-arik-turkey-ardahan-genocide-horovel-photo-exhibit-gayan-armenian-diaspora-middle-east-ojakh-diana-mkrtchyan/Thu, 22 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/509-erhan-arik-turkey-ardahan-genocide-horovel-photo-exhibit-gayan-armenian-diaspora-middle-east-ojakh-diana-mkrtchyan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Bedros Afeyan speaks with photographer and photojournalist Erhan Arik about the personal shock that drove him to make Horovel, his long-term work with elderly Armenians in Armenia whose families came from historic Armenian regions, and the ethical choices involved in witnessing, listening, and photographing. They then discuss the return journey that became Ojakh with Diana Mkrtchyan, how authorship changes when the camera and narrative belong to someone else, and what it means to become a character in another person’s film. The conversation broadens to Gayan, Erhan’s Middle East work across several countries, and how Armenian identity, memory, and community adapt across different political and social contexts. They close with Erhan’s current documentary project Our Seeds (Tohum), using the story of an ancient wheat seed tradition as a metaphor for inheritance, rupture, and continuity.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/508-sergei-melkonian-syria-iran-unrest-israel-tripp-armenia-parliamentary-elections-june-2026/Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/508-sergei-melkonian-syria-iran-unrest-israel-tripp-armenia-parliamentary-elections-june-2026/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>This episode examines major geopolitical shifts affecting Armenia and the wider region, focusing on Syria’s rapidly changing battlefield, the postponed but unresolved Iran war scenario, the growing controversy around the TRIPP corridor, and intensifying foreign involvement ahead of Armenia’s 2026 elections.</p> <hr> <h1 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h1> <h2 id="syria">Syria</h2> <ul> <li>Rapid Turkish-backed advances following the apparent U.S. abandonment of Kurdish allies</li> <li>Pressure on the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to disarm, integrate into the Syrian army, and extradite PKK members</li> <li>A serious rollback of Kurdish autonomy in northeast Syria</li> <li>Strategic implications for Armenia, viewed through historical parallels</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="iran-crisis">Iran Crisis</h2> <ul> <li>Externally instigated protests escalating into deadly riots across Iran</li> <li>The U.S.–Israel–Iran war narrative postponed rather than cooled</li> <li>Russia reportedly serving as a backchannel to prevent immediate escalation</li> <li>War hawks framing the debate as limited versus large-scale strikes</li> <li>Iran’s post-2025 military rebuilding with Russian and Chinese assistance</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="tripp-trap">TRIPP Trap</h2> <ul> <li>Protests outside the Iranian embassy in Yerevan and Tehran’s warning signals</li> <li>Pashinyan dismissing Iranian concerns over anti-Iranian activity in Armenia</li> <li>New TRIPP agreements signed in Washington emphasizing sovereignty language</li> <li>Armenia locked into a long-term minority ownership position</li> <li>Regional consequences of sidelining Iran and Russia</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="elections-2026--foreign-influence">Elections 2026 – Foreign Influence</h2> <h3 id="turkish-support">Turkish Support</h3> <ul> <li>Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s public endorsement of Pashinyan</li> <li>Questions of election interference and geopolitical double standards</li> <li>Turkey’s potential leverage over Armenia’s political process</li> </ul> <h3 id="russian-support">Russian Support</h3> <ul> <li>Armenia’s sharp decline in trade with Russia and increased borrowing</li> <li>Western and Turkish efforts to marginalize Russia in the South Caucasus</li> <li>Russia’s continued strategic interests despite the Ukraine war</li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h1> <ul> <li>Why did the U.S. abandon its Kurdish allies in Syria?</li> <li>What lessons should Armenia draw from the Kurdish experience?</li> <li>Why was war on Iran postponed, and for how long?</li> <li>Is Iran militarily prepared for renewed conflict?</li> <li>How committed are Russia and China to preventing regime change in Iran?</li> <li>Does TRIPP represent a structural loss of Armenian sovereignty?</li> <li>Are Iran’s warnings driven by protests or corridor geopolitics?</li> <li>What is at stake in Armenia’s 2026 parliamentary elections?</li> <li>How do Russia and Turkey view Pashinyan’s role going forward?</li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h1> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2026/1/19/syria-live-government-forces-take-control-after-heavy-fighting-with-sdf"><em>Syria live: Government forces take control after heavy fighting with SDF</em></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33647962.html"><em>Iranian ambassador warns Armenia over protests</em></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33648959.html"><em>Pashinyan rejects Iranian concerns</em></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33647278.html"><em>Mirzoyan and Rubio sign TRIPP-related agreements in Washington</em></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33650776.html"><em>Hakan Fidan comments on Armenia’s elections and Pashinyan</em></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33646125.html"><em>Armenia–Russia trade decline and borrowing figures</em></a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/508-sergei-melkonian-syria-iran-unrest-israel-tripp-armenia-parliamentary-elections-june-2026/Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/508-sergei-melkonian-syria-iran-unrest-israel-tripp-armenia-parliamentary-elections-june-2026/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This episode examines major geopolitical shifts affecting Armenia and the wider region, focusing on Syria’s rapidly changing battlefield, the postponed but unresolved Iran war scenario, the growing controversy around the TRIPP corridor, and intensifying foreign involvement ahead of Armenia’s 2026 elections.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/508/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/507-anna-grigoryan-armenia-political-crisis-tripp-pow-hostages-2026-paliamentary-election-attacks-on-church/Sat, 17 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/507-anna-grigoryan-armenia-political-crisis-tripp-pow-hostages-2026-paliamentary-election-attacks-on-church/<p>Anna Grigoryan joins us to assess four Armenians returning from Baku amid continued detention of other POWs, the escalating clash between Nikol Pashinyan’s government and the Armenian Apostolic Church, new details around TRIPP after talks in Washington, and what is at stake in Armenia’s June 2026 elections, including opposition strategy and outside influence.</p> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <h3 id="1-return-of-4-hostages">1) Return of 4 Hostages</h3> <ul> <li>What the release signals, and why the continued detention of at least 19 Armenians remains the core issue</li> <li>Criticism of the terms and timing, including concerns about “hostage diplomacy” during negotiations</li> <li>The reported linkage to Armenia returning two Syrian mercenaries, and Pashinyan’s denial that this was an exchange</li> <li>Prior precedents of releasing convicted enemy personnel, and what that suggests about state policy and deterrence</li> </ul> <h3 id="2-pashinyan-vs-church">2) Pashinyan vs. Church</h3> <ul> <li>Why the dispute matters beyond personalities, and what it means for church autonomy and state neutrality</li> <li>Claims of external pressure and the wider pattern of state control over institutions</li> <li>Legal and constitutional questions raised by government and security-service involvement</li> <li>Political implications, including polling signals about social cohesion and trusted public figures</li> <li>Possible offramps that reduce social tension without granting blanket impunity</li> </ul> <h3 id="3-tripp">3) TRIPP</h3> <ul> <li>What the Washington agreements suggest about the project’s logistics and direction</li> <li>How TRIPP overlaps with the November 2020 ceasefire framework, with a different external sponsor</li> <li>Likely effects on Russia and Iran’s interests, and how they might respond</li> </ul> <h3 id="4-upcoming-elections-june-2026">4) Upcoming Elections (June 2026)</h3> <ul> <li>What is at stake, and which themes may drive the campaign, including Artsakh</li> <li>Why opposition ratings trail the ruling party, and what it would take to win</li> <li>Hayastan Dashinq’s record over the past five years, including strengths and gaps</li> <li>Debate over “new faces” versus “formers,” and what that means for coalition-building</li> <li>Alliance options (Mer Dzevov, Wings of Unity), and Anna Grigoryan’s own plans</li> <li>External signaling, including claims of Turkish and EU support for Pashinyan</li> <li>Whether Russia still views Pashinyan as an “acceptable” outcome, and what may have changed since 2021</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <h3 id="return-of-4-hostages">Return of 4 Hostages</h3> <ul> <li>How should Armenia read the timing and intent of these releases?</li> <li>Do you expect more releases before June 2026, and on what terms?</li> <li>If this was not an exchange, why did the releases line up the same day?</li> <li>What message does prior prisoner release policy send to Baku, and to Armenian society?</li> </ul> <h3 id="pashinyan-vs-church">Pashinyan vs. Church</h3> <ul> <li>Is this driven by geopolitics, domestic politics, or personal conflict?</li> <li>Why has the opposition not pursued impeachment or Constitutional Court action for alleged unconstitutional conduct?</li> <li>What negotiated offramps could cool the conflict?</li> <li>How can society restore harmony without rewarding abuses by any side?</li> </ul> <h3 id="tripp">TRIPP</h3> <ul> <li>How strong is the deal Armenia’s team negotiated with the Trump administration?</li> <li>What are the second-order effects for Russia and Iran, and how might they push back?</li> </ul> <h3 id="june-2026-elections">June 2026 Elections</h3> <ul> <li>What are the core stakes, and will Artsakh become a defining issue?</li> <li>What must the broad opposition spectrum do differently to compete?</li> <li>What should we expect in Hayastan Dashinq’s makeup as elections near?</li> <li>Has external support for Pashinyan changed since 2021, and how does Russia factor now?</li> </ul> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://csi-usa.org/azerbaijan-releases-four-armenian-hostages-in-incomplete-exchange/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPXICdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe2Jy8HplfIJNUpIObL7IfsxaeoS_jW_2RQPGoJUlfS-BK88C-8Bti9JjUwbc_aem_lIFumBTSY6KGreNM0VDedw">Christian Solidarity International: “Azerbaijan releases four Armenian hostages in incomplete exchange”</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thecaliforniacourier.com/ankara-just-endorsed-pashinyan-for-the-june-elections/">California Courier: “Ankara Just Endorsed Pashinyan for the June Elections”</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/hOIoNWlLFo0?si=nJLGv28hBQBCxLPR">Ishkhan Saghatelyan press conference (YouTube)</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="don"><strong>Don&rsquo;t forget to support us:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful, and you will SHARE OUR SHOWS with your friends on Social Media. That is a great way to support us.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/507-anna-grigoryan-armenia-political-crisis-tripp-pow-hostages-2026-paliamentary-election-attacks-on-church/Sat, 17 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/507-anna-grigoryan-armenia-political-crisis-tripp-pow-hostages-2026-paliamentary-election-attacks-on-church/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Anna Grigoryan joins us to assess four Armenians returning from Baku amid continued detention of other POWs, the escalating clash between Nikol Pashinyan’s government and the Armenian Apostolic Church, new details around TRIPP after talks in Washington, and what is at stake in Armenia’s June 2026 elections, including opposition strategy and outside influence.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/507/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/506-pietro-shakarian-iranian-protests-alliance-with-russia-usa-armenia-tripp-azerbaijan-israel-alliance/Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/506-pietro-shakarian-iranian-protests-alliance-with-russia-usa-armenia-tripp-azerbaijan-israel-alliance/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, historian Dr. Pietro Shakarian joins us to look at the riot-level unrest in Iran, Trump’s threats and pressure tactics, and what this could mean for Russia–Iran coordination, Armenia’s security environment, and corridor politics in the South Caucasus, including TRIPP. They also discuss Vladimir Solovyov’s recent comments on Armenia and post-Soviet Eurasia, then close with the release of four Armenian hostages from Azerbaijani captivity and what it may signal.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/506-pietro-shakarian-iranian-protests-alliance-with-russia-usa-armenia-tripp-azerbaijan-israel-alliance/Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/506-pietro-shakarian-iranian-protests-alliance-with-russia-usa-armenia-tripp-azerbaijan-israel-alliance/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, historian Dr. Pietro Shakarian joins us to look at the riot-level unrest in Iran, Trump’s threats and pressure tactics, and what this could mean for Russia–Iran coordination, Armenia’s security environment, and corridor politics in the South Caucasus, including TRIPP. They also discuss Vladimir Solovyov’s recent comments on Armenia and post-Soviet Eurasia, then close with the release of four Armenian hostages from Azerbaijani captivity and what it may signal.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/505-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-ukraine-iran-baku-pogroms-armenian-church-clash/Wed, 14 Jan 2026 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/505-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-ukraine-iran-baku-pogroms-armenian-church-clash/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>Recorded on January 13, 2026, this Week in Review episode with Arthur Martirosyan examines how the prolonged Ukraine war has reshaped Russia’s leverage and long-term strategy, why a US–Israel–Iran confrontation now appears increasingly likely, and how Iran’s internal unrest and external pressure could open new risks for Armenia. The discussion also marks the anniversary of the Baku pogroms, reflecting on their long-term consequences, before turning to Russia–Armenia tensions and Nikol Pashinyan’s escalating confrontation with the Armenian Apostolic Church.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/505-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-ukraine-iran-baku-pogroms-armenian-church-clash/Wed, 14 Jan 2026 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/505-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-ukraine-iran-baku-pogroms-armenian-church-clash/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Recorded on January 13, 2026, this Week in Review episode with Arthur Martirosyan examines how the prolonged Ukraine war has reshaped Russia’s leverage and long-term strategy, why a US–Israel–Iran confrontation now appears increasingly likely, and how Iran’s internal unrest and external pressure could open new risks for Armenia. The discussion also marks the anniversary of the Baku pogroms, reflecting on their long-term consequences, before turning to Russia–Armenia tensions and Nikol Pashinyan’s escalating confrontation with the Armenian Apostolic Church.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/504-kevork-hagopjian-state-hunts-church-armenias-rule-of-law-church-state-crackdown-etchmiadzin-religious-freedom-human-rights/Tue, 13 Jan 2026 02:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/504-kevork-hagopjian-state-hunts-church-armenias-rule-of-law-church-state-crackdown-etchmiadzin-religious-freedom-human-rights/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>Kevork Hagopjian joins us to explain his thesis that Armenia’s current church-state standoff is a rule-of-law test. We discuss what the Constitution and international human-rights law require, why executive pressure on Etchmiadzin crosses a legal bright line, and how prosecutions, detentions, and scandal narratives can become tools of institutional control. We also examine the Bern conference on Artsakh, foreign pressure and narrative management, and the longer-term risk that a playbook used against the Church can later be applied to other independent institutions in Armenia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/504-kevork-hagopjian-state-hunts-church-armenias-rule-of-law-church-state-crackdown-etchmiadzin-religious-freedom-human-rights/Tue, 13 Jan 2026 02:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/504-kevork-hagopjian-state-hunts-church-armenias-rule-of-law-church-state-crackdown-etchmiadzin-religious-freedom-human-rights/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Kevork Hagopjian joins us to explain his thesis that Armenia’s current church-state standoff is a rule-of-law test. We discuss what the Constitution and international human-rights law require, why executive pressure on Etchmiadzin crosses a legal bright line, and how prosecutions, detentions, and scandal narratives can become tools of institutional control. We also examine the Bern conference on Artsakh, foreign pressure and narrative management, and the longer-term risk that a playbook used against the Church can later be applied to other independent institutions in Armenia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/503-serop-azarian-armenian-church-under-attack-by-state/Sun, 11 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/503-serop-azarian-armenian-church-under-attack-by-state/<h2 id="episode-503-synopsis">Episode 503 Synopsis</h2> <p>Father Serop Azarian joins us to discuss Nikol Pashinyan’s escalating confrontation with the Armenian Apostolic Church, and what it may signal ahead of 2026. We examine the narratives used to justify state pressure on the Church, the role of “renegade” bishops and canon-law claims, and the practical stakes around Church property and independence. The episode closes with a short reflection on the Church calendar, from Theophany to Easter.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/503-serop-azarian-armenian-church-under-attack-by-state/Sun, 11 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/503-serop-azarian-armenian-church-under-attack-by-state/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Pashinyan Attacks: Geopolitics or Vendetta? Renegade Bishops: Demands and Narratives. Stolen Church Property. From Christmas to Easter.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/503/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/502-fyodor-lukyanov-venezuela-greenland-ukraine-iran-israel-tripp-armenia-azerbaijan/Fri, 09 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/502-fyodor-lukyanov-venezuela-greenland-ukraine-iran-israel-tripp-armenia-azerbaijan/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>Fyodor Lukyanov joins Groong to discuss how Moscow reads a fast-shifting global landscape, from the U.S. raid in Venezuela and maritime seizures at sea, to Trump’s Greenland rhetoric, the stalled endgame in Ukraine, the likelihood of a renewed Israel-Iran war, and how TRIPP and “unblocking” disputes in Armenia’s south fit into Russia’s regional priorities.</p> <h1 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h1> <ul> <li>Venezuela, U.S. power projection, and what Russia can (and cannot) do in response</li> <li>Greenland and U.S. territorial rhetoric, viewed from Moscow</li> <li>Ukraine war endgame, Europe’s posture, and Russia-West negotiations</li> <li>Russia-Iran relations after the June 2025 Israel-Iran war, and prospects of a second round</li> <li>TRIPP, “Zangezur Corridor,” Nov. 2020 point 9, and Russia’s expectations in Armenia’s south</li> <li>Armenia’s June elections and foreign influence narratives</li> </ul> <h1 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h1> <h2 id="venezuela">Venezuela</h2> <ul> <li>What is Russia’s perspective on the U.S. abduction of Nicolás Maduro?</li> <li>How does Moscow interpret “our hemisphere” thinking and open U.S. coercion?</li> <li>What is Russia’s reaction to U.S. and UK-backed seizures of Russian-flagged tankers at sea?</li> <li>Are there parallels between U.S. claims in the Americas and Russia’s position on Ukraine?</li> </ul> <h2 id="greenland">Greenland</h2> <ul> <li>Does Moscow see Trump’s Greenland rhetoric as serious, or as political theater?</li> <li>Does Greenland matter to Russia’s Arctic security calculus?</li> </ul> <h2 id="ukraine-war">Ukraine war</h2> <ul> <li>Why is the war still going on as it approaches year four?</li> <li>Where do Russia-West negotiations stand right now?</li> <li>Does Putin see Trump as negotiating in good faith?</li> <li>What would “closure” actually require, and what are the realistic off-ramps?</li> <li>Has the war made Russia more dependent on China, and did it open space for the West in places like the South Caucasus and Central Asia?</li> </ul> <h2 id="russia-and-iran">Russia and Iran</h2> <ul> <li>Is a second Israel-Iran war inevitable, and is Iran more prepared this time?</li> <li>Has the Venezuela episode changed Russia’s calculus on how far it should go to help Iran?</li> <li>If Russia will not intervene militarily, what non-military tools does it still have?</li> </ul> <h2 id="tripp-and-russian-armenian-relations">TRIPP and Russian-Armenian relations</h2> <ul> <li>What does Russia expect regarding east-west “unblocking” in Armenia’s south and the wider “Middle Corridor” debate?</li> <li>Why might Russia be re-engaging in the South Caucasus now?</li> <li>How important is the Armenia-Iran border and the north-south corridor to Russia’s interests?</li> <li>Does TRIPP risk inserting U.S. or Israeli assets near Iran, and does Moscow view that as a strategic problem?</li> <li>How does Russia view disputes around Russian Railways and Armenia’s rail concession?</li> </ul> <h2 id="armenian-elections">Armenian elections</h2> <ul> <li>Does the outcome of Armenia’s June elections matter to Russia?</li> <li>How does Russia view EU-funded programs framed as countering “foreign influence,” especially “Russian influence”?</li> <li>Is Pashinyan’s administration still a workable partner for Moscow?</li> </ul> <h1 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h1> <ul> <li><a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/01/1166698">US actions in Venezuela ‘constitute a dangerous precedent’: Guterres</a> <em>(news.un.org)</em></li> <li><a href="https://press.un.org/en/2026/sc16271.doc.htm">United States Action in Venezuela Puts Sovereignty of States, International Law at Stake, Many Speakers Tell Security Council (SC/16271)</a> <em>(press.un.org)</em></li> <li><a href="https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-confirms-military-support-for-u-s-seizure-of-tanker/">UK confirms military support for U.S. seizure of tanker</a> <em>(ukdefencejournal.org.uk)</em></li> <li><a href="https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2026/01/06/robust-security-guarantees-for-a-solid-and-lasting-peace-in-ukraine-statement-of-the-coalition-of-the-willing-issued-by-france/">Paris Declaration: “Robust Security Guarantees for a Solid and Lasting Peace in Ukraine,” statement of the Coalition of the Willing issued by France</a> <em>(consilium.europa.eu)</em></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33641496.html">Aliyev Confident About ‘Zangezur Corridor’ Through Armenia</a> <em>(azatutyun.am)</em></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33632866.html">Pashinian Insists On Repairs Of Armenia’s Rail Links With Azerbaijan, Turkey</a> <em>(azatutyun.am)</em></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33623764.html">Armenian Government Seeks Pre-Election ‘Help’ From EU</a> <em>(azatutyun.am)</em></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="don"><strong>Don&rsquo;t forget to support us:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful, and you will SHARE OUR SHOWS with your friends on Social Media. That is a great way to support us.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/502-fyodor-lukyanov-venezuela-greenland-ukraine-iran-israel-tripp-armenia-azerbaijan/Fri, 09 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/502-fyodor-lukyanov-venezuela-greenland-ukraine-iran-israel-tripp-armenia-azerbaijan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Fyodor Lukyanov joins Groong to discuss how Moscow reads a fast-shifting global landscape, from the U.S. raid in Venezuela and maritime seizures at sea, to Trump’s Greenland rhetoric, the stalled endgame in Ukraine, the likelihood of a renewed Israel-Iran war, and how TRIPP and “unblocking” disputes in Armenia’s south fit into Russia’s regional priorities.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/502/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260109-transcript-502-fyodor-lukyanov-venezuela-greenland-ukraine-iran-israel-tripp-armenia-azerbaijan/Fri, 09 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260109-transcript-502-fyodor-lukyanov-venezuela-greenland-ukraine-iran-israel-tripp-armenia-azerbaijan/<p>Fyodor Lukyanov joins Groong to discuss how Moscow reads a fast-shifting global landscape, from the U.S. raid in Venezuela and maritime seizures at sea, to Trump’s Greenland rhetoric, the stalled endgame in Ukraine, the likelihood of a renewed Israel-Iran war, and how TRIPP and “unblocking” disputes in Armenia’s south fit into Russia’s regional priorities.</p> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/502/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Fyodor Lukyanov - Russia in Evolving Global Geopolitics | Ep 502, Jan 9, 2026</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong - Recorded: January 8, 2026</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2026-01-09</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 502</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/502">https://podcasts.groong.org/502</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/d1XxQHSZUEE">https://youtu.be/d1XxQHSZUEE</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/flukyanov">Fyodor Lukyanov</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/flukyanov">Fyodor Lukyanov</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/501-hrant-mikaelian-venezuela-us-kidnapping-maduro-international-law-geopolitics-armenian-church-pashinyan-state-church-conflict-mpg-poll-public-mood-social-polarization-armenia-economy-national-debt/Wed, 07 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/501-hrant-mikaelian-venezuela-us-kidnapping-maduro-international-law-geopolitics-armenian-church-pashinyan-state-church-conflict-mpg-poll-public-mood-social-polarization-armenia-economy-national-debt/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>In this first Week in Review of 2026, we&rsquo;re joined by Hrant Mikaelian as we examine three developments shaping Armenia’s political environment and regional context. We begin with the unprecedented U.S. abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the implications for international law and smaller states. We then turn to the escalating confrontation between the Armenian government and the Armenian Apostolic Church, including renewed efforts to restructure the Church ahead of 2026. We conclude with a detailed review of the latest MPG poll results and an assessment of Armenia’s economic performance and rising national debt in 2025.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/501-hrant-mikaelian-venezuela-us-kidnapping-maduro-international-law-geopolitics-armenian-church-pashinyan-state-church-conflict-mpg-poll-public-mood-social-polarization-armenia-economy-national-debt/Wed, 07 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/501-hrant-mikaelian-venezuela-us-kidnapping-maduro-international-law-geopolitics-armenian-church-pashinyan-state-church-conflict-mpg-poll-public-mood-social-polarization-armenia-economy-national-debt/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this first Week in Review of 2026, we&rsquo;re joined by Hrant Mikaelian as we examine three developments shaping Armenia’s political environment and regional context. We begin with the unprecedented U.S. abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the implications for international law and smaller states. We then turn to the escalating confrontation between the Armenian government and the Armenian Apostolic Church, including renewed efforts to restructure the Church ahead of 2026. We conclude with a detailed review of the latest MPG poll results and an assessment of Armenia’s economic performance and rising national debt in 2025.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/500-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-iran-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-tripp-review-and-outlook/Wed, 31 Dec 2025 02:20:32 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/500-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-iran-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-tripp-review-and-outlook/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>In this milestone 500th episode of <em>Groong Week in Review</em>, we assess how major external crises are shaping Armenia’s strategic environment in 2025, examine the stalled Armenia–Azerbaijan process, analyze Russia’s posture around TRIPP, and discuss the implications of a change in the U.S. ambassador. The episode concludes with an extended year-end review, where each participant evaluates their 2025 predictions from a year ago (in <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/403">Episode 403</a>), and presents high-, medium-, and low-probability forecasts for 2026.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/500-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-iran-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-tripp-review-and-outlook/Wed, 31 Dec 2025 02:20:32 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/500-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-iran-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-tripp-review-and-outlook/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this milestone 500th episode of Groong Week in Review, we assess how major external crises are shaping Armenia’s strategic environment in 2025, examine the stalled Armenia–Azerbaijan process, analyze Russia’s posture around TRIPP, and discuss the implications of a change in the U.S. ambassador. The episode concludes with an extended year-end review, where each participant evaluates their 2025 predictions from a year ago (in Episode 403), and presents high-, medium-, and low-probability forecasts for 2026.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/499-diana-mkrtchyan-ojakh-documentary-armenian-genocide-memory-erhan-arik-horovel-gaiff-bedros-afeyan/Tue, 30 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/499-diana-mkrtchyan-ojakh-documentary-armenian-genocide-memory-erhan-arik-horovel-gaiff-bedros-afeyan/<h1 id="diana-mkrtchyan--ojakh-on-the-other-side-of-silence">Diana Mkrtchyan – <em>Ojakh: On the Other Side of Silence</em></h1> <p><p class="md__image"> <img src="https://podcasts.groong.org/img/episode/499/Ojakh-movie-info.webp" alt="Ojakh: On the Other Side of Silence" title="Ojakh: On the Other Side of Silence" class="img-fluid" /> </p> </p> <h1 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h1> <p>In this episode, guest host Bedros Afeyan speaks with documentary filmmaker Diana Mkrtchyan about her feature documentary <em>Ojakh: On the Other Side of Silence</em>. The conversation traces the film’s nine-year development, its origins in Turkish photographer Erhan Arik’s <em>Horovel</em> project, and the urgent effort to document the last living Armenian Genocide survivors in border villages. The discussion also addresses artistic responsibility, dignity in testimony, cultural memory, censorship, and the continuity between Genocide-era trauma and the recent destruction of Artsakh.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/499-diana-mkrtchyan-ojakh-documentary-armenian-genocide-memory-erhan-arik-horovel-gaiff-bedros-afeyan/Tue, 30 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/499-diana-mkrtchyan-ojakh-documentary-armenian-genocide-memory-erhan-arik-horovel-gaiff-bedros-afeyan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Diana Mkrtchyan’s personal and artistic journey. The origins of Ojakh in Erhan Arik’s photographic work. Filming the final testimonies of Armenian Genocide survivors. Ethical and technical challenges of documenting trauma. The erasure of Ojakh from official cultural promotion in Armenia. Cinema as historical record and moral witness. Mkrtchyan’s Artsakh footage during the blockade.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/499/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/498-dziunik-aghajanian-etchmiadzin-church-state-conflict-pashinyan-tripp-peace-dividend-armenia-geopolitics/Thu, 25 Dec 2025 02:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/498-dziunik-aghajanian-etchmiadzin-church-state-conflict-pashinyan-tripp-peace-dividend-armenia-geopolitics/<p>In this <strong>Groong Week in Review</strong>, Hovik Manucharyan and Asbed Bedrossian are joined by Dziunik Aghajanian to examine a volatile week marked by escalating confrontation between the Armenian state and the Armenian Apostolic Church, deepening fractures inside Europe over the Ukraine war, and controversial developments around Armenia–Azerbaijan trade and regional transport corridors. The discussion focuses on state power, legitimacy, and the geopolitical tradeoffs shaping Armenia’s present and future.</p> <hr> <h1 id="topics-covered">Topics Covered</h1> <h2 id="ukraine-war-update">Ukraine War Update</h2> <p>Ukraine’s battlefield situation continues to deteriorate, with reports of Ukrainian withdrawals from key positions amid shortages of weapons, manpower, and electricity. European leaders are increasingly divided on how to proceed, as French President Emmanuel Macron shifts toward dialogue with Moscow while blocking German efforts to seize Russian assets for Ukraine and lobbying to restore nuclear fuel cooperation with Russia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/498-dziunik-aghajanian-etchmiadzin-church-state-conflict-pashinyan-tripp-peace-dividend-armenia-geopolitics/Thu, 25 Dec 2025 02:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/498-dziunik-aghajanian-etchmiadzin-church-state-conflict-pashinyan-tripp-peace-dividend-armenia-geopolitics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Groong Week in Review, Hovik Manucharyan and Asbed Bedrossian are joined by Dziunik Aghajanian to examine a volatile week marked by escalating confrontation between the Armenian state and the Armenian Apostolic Church, deepening fractures inside Europe over the Ukraine war, and controversial developments around Armenia–Azerbaijan trade and regional transport corridors. The discussion focuses on state power, legitimacy, and the geopolitical tradeoffs shaping Armenia’s present and future.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/497-spotlight-on-silence-injustice-armenia-political-persecution-article-236-rafael-ishkhanyan-acpr/Thu, 18 Dec 2025 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/497-spotlight-on-silence-injustice-armenia-political-persecution-article-236-rafael-ishkhanyan-acpr/<p>This episode examines a widening pattern of political repression in Armenia, focusing on the criminalization of speech, selective justice, and coordinated pressure against journalists, lawyers, clergy, and human rights defenders. Drawing on multiple statements and reports by the Armenian Center for Political Rights (ACPR), the discussion traces how legal tools, media campaigns, and vague criminal provisions are used to silence dissent and reshape the boundaries of acceptable public life.</p> <hr> <h2 id="imnemnimi--antifake-case">Imnemnimi / Antifake Case</h2> <p>The discussion opens with the case of the <strong>Imnemnimi podcasters from Antifake</strong>, which illustrates how repression functions in practice. Two podcasters were arrested twice for speech expressed on a political podcast. Although insult has been decriminalized, authorities reclassified their words as “online hooliganism,” seized their equipment, and crippled their newsroom.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/497-spotlight-on-silence-injustice-armenia-political-persecution-article-236-rafael-ishkhanyan-acpr/Thu, 18 Dec 2025 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/497-spotlight-on-silence-injustice-armenia-political-persecution-article-236-rafael-ishkhanyan-acpr/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This episode examines a widening pattern of political repression in Armenia, focusing on the criminalization of speech, selective justice, and coordinated pressure against journalists, lawyers, clergy, and human rights defenders. Drawing on multiple statements and reports by the Armenian Center for Political Rights (ACPR), the discussion traces how legal tools, media campaigns, and vague criminal provisions are used to silence dissent and reshape the boundaries of acceptable public life.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/496-arthur-khachatryan-armenia-week-in-review-eu-russia-eaeu-church-crackdown-artsakh-nss-economy/Tue, 16 Dec 2025 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/496-arthur-khachatryan-armenia-week-in-review-eu-russia-eaeu-church-crackdown-artsakh-nss-economy/<p>In this Week in Review, we examine Armenia’s mounting strategic, political, and economic pressures. The discussion focuses on Pashinyan’s dual-track signaling toward the EU and Russia, rising tensions with the Armenian Apostolic Church, renewed controversies around Artsakh and the right of return, NSS raids on Artsakh institutions in Yerevan, and troubling indicators from Armenia’s 2025 economic performance, including declining trade, underexecuted capital spending, and rising state debt.</p> <hr> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <h3 id="armenia-between-the-west-and-russia">Armenia Between the West and Russia</h3> <ul> <li>Pashinyan’s official visit to Germany followed by a working visit to Russia for the EAEU Intergovernmental Council</li> <li>Western framing of peace, EU alignment, and transport corridors as a single package</li> <li>Public signaling toward EU membership while remaining inside the EAEU</li> <li>Russia’s growing unease over Armenia’s strategic ambiguity</li> </ul> <h3 id="eu-engagement-and-informal-pressure">EU Engagement and Informal Pressure</h3> <ul> <li>Pashinyan’s statement that EU membership is a goal, even if leaving the EAEU is not</li> <li>Ararat Mirzoyan’s informal participation in the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels</li> <li>Reports that Armenia’s 2026 parliamentary elections were discussed during an informal EU breakfast</li> <li>Questions around EU expectations, including sanctions on Russia</li> </ul> <h3 id="churchstate-confrontation">Church–State Confrontation</h3> <ul> <li>Pashinyan’s shifting justifications for confronting the Armenian Apostolic Church</li> <li>Proposal for Catholicos Garegin II’s resignation and appointment of a caretaker vicar</li> <li>Government-driven canon law reform, clergy vetting, and political restrictions</li> <li>Constitutional implications of state interference in church affairs</li> </ul> <h3 id="artsakh-concessions-and-right-of-return">Artsakh, Concessions, and Right of Return</h3> <ul> <li>Post-2020 and post-2023 concessions culminating in the loss of Artsakh</li> <li>Azerbaijan’s demand for the “return” of 1990s Azerbaijani refugees to Armenia</li> <li>Armenia’s effective closure of the Artsakh Armenians’ right of return</li> <li>Pashinyan’s proposal to drop Artsakh return claims in exchange for Azerbaijan abandoning the “Western Azerbaijan” narrative</li> </ul> <h3 id="nss-raids-on-artsakh-institutions">NSS Raids on Artsakh Institutions</h3> <ul> <li>Raids on Artsakh offices in Yerevan without detailed public justification</li> <li>Timing coinciding with renewed advocacy for Artsakh Armenians’ rights</li> <li>Broader concerns about rule of law and political pressure</li> </ul> <h3 id="armenias-economy-in-2025">Armenia’s Economy in 2025</h3> <ul> <li>Sharp decline in trade and reexports with Russia</li> <li>Severe underperformance in capital expenditures, including defense, schools, roads, and infrastructure</li> <li>Rising state debt exceeding $14 billion</li> <li>Weak execution across multiple strategic development programs</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>Can Armenia realistically pursue EU membership while remaining in the EAEU?</li> <li>What does the EU expect from Armenia in return for political and electoral support?</li> <li>Are sanctions on Russia under serious consideration in Yerevan?</li> <li>What constitutional limits exist on government intervention in church affairs?</li> <li>Can the rights of displaced Artsakh Armenians be negotiated away?</li> <li>Do NSS raids signal a breakdown in rule of law?</li> <li>Why are economic failures and rising debt not central to political debate ahead of elections?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="thoughts-from-the-participants">Thoughts from the Participants</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Arthur Khachatryan:</strong> Structural weaknesses of the opposition and the cult-like dynamics of Pashinyan’s political system.</li> <li><strong>Hovik Manucharyan:</strong> Reflections on Mikayel Minasyan’s recent Facebook post and its broader political implications.</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h2> <ul> <li> <p>Pashinyan visit to Germany <a href="https://www.primeminister.am/en/foreign-visits/item/2025/12/09/Nikol-Pashinyan-visiting-Germany/">https://www.primeminister.am/en/foreign-visits/item/2025/12/09/Nikol-Pashinyan-visiting-Germany/</a></p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/496-arthur-khachatryan-armenia-week-in-review-eu-russia-eaeu-church-crackdown-artsakh-nss-economy/Tue, 16 Dec 2025 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/496-arthur-khachatryan-armenia-week-in-review-eu-russia-eaeu-church-crackdown-artsakh-nss-economy/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review, we examine Armenia’s mounting strategic, political, and economic pressures. The discussion focuses on Pashinyan’s dual-track signaling toward the EU and Russia, rising tensions with the Armenian Apostolic Church, renewed controversies around Artsakh and the right of return, NSS raids on Artsakh institutions in Yerevan, and troubling indicators from Armenia’s 2025 economic performance, including declining trade, underexecuted capital spending, and rising state debt.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/496/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/495-harry-istepanian-venezuela-usa-oil-world-geopolitics-russia-iran-middle-east/Sun, 14 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/495-harry-istepanian-venezuela-usa-oil-world-geopolitics-russia-iran-middle-east/<p>In this episode of <strong>Conversations on Groong</strong>, we examine why Venezuela has returned to the center of global geopolitics. The discussion focuses on oil, sanctions, and military pressure, and how a potential revival of Venezuelan production could reshape energy markets, weaken Russia and Iran, strain OPEC+, and alter the dynamics of ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.</p> <hr> <h3 id="topics-covered">Topics Covered</h3> <ul> <li>Harry Istepanian’s background and expertise in global energy markets</li> <li>Venezuela’s oil reserves and the collapse of production after sanctions</li> <li>The role of US sanctions, expelled oil companies, and low US strategic reserves</li> <li>Washington’s pressure campaign on Venezuela and regional reactions</li> <li>Trump’s push for oil prices below 50 dollars per barrel</li> <li>OPEC+ price discipline and the threat of Venezuelan supply returning</li> <li>The impact of cheaper oil on Russia’s war budget in Ukraine</li> <li>Consequences for Iran, Iraq, and Gulf state economies</li> <li>Risks of escalation in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz</li> </ul> <hr> <h3 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h3> <ul> <li>Why did Venezuela’s oil production collapse so sharply over the past decade?</li> <li>How low is the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and why does it matter now?</li> <li>Why does Trump see Venezuelan oil as a strategic problem rather than a commercial one?</li> <li>What prevents US oil companies from returning to Venezuela quickly?</li> <li>How would a surge in Venezuelan oil challenge OPEC+ and global price controls?</li> <li>What happens to Russia’s economy and war financing if oil prices fall sharply?</li> <li>How would Iran and Gulf states respond to sustained price pressure?</li> <li>Could new Venezuelan supply change the balance in global conflicts?</li> <li>What Middle East risks could still override a rise in oil supply?</li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="don"><strong>Don&rsquo;t forget to support us:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/495-harry-istepanian-venezuela-usa-oil-world-geopolitics-russia-iran-middle-east/Sun, 14 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/495-harry-istepanian-venezuela-usa-oil-world-geopolitics-russia-iran-middle-east/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we examine why Venezuela has returned to the center of global geopolitics. The discussion focuses on oil, sanctions, and military pressure, and how a potential revival of Venezuelan production could reshape energy markets, weaken Russia and Iran, strain OPEC+, and alter the dynamics of ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/495/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/494-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-war-on-armenian-church-eu-armenia-nagorno-karabakh-negotiation-documents-arar-poll/Tue, 09 Dec 2025 02:20:32 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/494-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-war-on-armenian-church-eu-armenia-nagorno-karabakh-negotiation-documents-arar-poll/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>This Week in Review with Benyamin Poghosyan looks at Pashinyan’s escalating confrontation with the Armenian Apostolic Church, including the arrest of Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan on a narcotics “distribution” charge rooted in a 2018 incident, and the security services’ seizure of Gyumri’s Seven Wounds Church to stage a December 7 Divine Liturgy without mentioning the Catholicos. We discuss what these moves reveal about the regime’s goals toward Etchmiadzin, while polls show strong public support for both the Church and the Armed Forces. We also examine the new Armenia-EU “Strategic Agenda,” calls for Yerevan to join anti-Russia sanctions, EU funding against “Russian hybrid war,” Pashinyan’s selective publication of OSCE Minsk Group documents, and fresh polling on where Armenians see their main strategic partners and the Russian base in Gyumri.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/494-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-war-on-armenian-church-eu-armenia-nagorno-karabakh-negotiation-documents-arar-poll/Tue, 09 Dec 2025 02:20:32 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/494-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-war-on-armenian-church-eu-armenia-nagorno-karabakh-negotiation-documents-arar-poll/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Week in Review with Benyamin Poghosyan looks at Pashinyan’s escalating confrontation with the Armenian Apostolic Church, including the arrest of Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan on a narcotics “distribution” charge rooted in a 2018 incident, and the security services’ seizure of Gyumri’s Seven Wounds Church to stage a December 7 Divine Liturgy without mentioning the Catholicos. We discuss what these moves reveal about the regime’s goals toward Etchmiadzin, while polls show strong public support for both the Church and the Armed Forces. We also examine the new Armenia-EU “Strategic Agenda,” calls for Yerevan to join anti-Russia sanctions, EU funding against “Russian hybrid war,” Pashinyan’s selective publication of OSCE Minsk Group documents, and fresh polling on where Armenians see their main strategic partners and the Russian base in Gyumri.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/493-arthur-khachikyan-osce-mg-libaridian-new-constitution-attacks-on-armenian-church-national-prayer-breakfast-border-commissions-in-baku/Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:08:39 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/493-arthur-khachikyan-osce-mg-libaridian-new-constitution-attacks-on-armenian-church-national-prayer-breakfast-border-commissions-in-baku/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>In this Week in Review, we talk with <strong>Dr. Arthur Khachikyan</strong> about the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group, Ankara and Baku’s new preconditions, the rush toward a new Armenian constitution, the deepening campaign against the Armenian Apostolic Church, and the opaque border talks in Baku. We also respond to Jacob Pursley’s comments on our earlier coverage of Armenia’s “prayer breakfast” and examine how this ties into Pashinyan’s image-building efforts abroad.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/493-arthur-khachikyan-osce-mg-libaridian-new-constitution-attacks-on-armenian-church-national-prayer-breakfast-border-commissions-in-baku/Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:08:39 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/493-arthur-khachikyan-osce-mg-libaridian-new-constitution-attacks-on-armenian-church-national-prayer-breakfast-border-commissions-in-baku/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review, we talk with Dr. Arthur Khachikyan about the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group, Ankara and Baku’s new preconditions, the rush toward a new Armenian constitution, the deepening campaign against the Armenian Apostolic Church, and the opaque border talks in Baku. We also respond to Jacob Pursley’s comments on our earlier coverage of Armenia’s “prayer breakfast” and examine how this ties into Pashinyan’s image-building efforts abroad.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/492-eldar-mamedov-geopolitics-armenia-azerbaijan-south-caucasus-europe-russia-iran-israel-ukraine/Mon, 01 Dec 2025 10:30:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/492-eldar-mamedov-geopolitics-armenia-azerbaijan-south-caucasus-europe-russia-iran-israel-ukraine/<p>This Conversations on Groong episode features <strong>Eldar Mamedov</strong>, former Latvian diplomat, non-resident fellow at the Quincy Institute, and member of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pugwash_Conferences_on_Science_and_World_Affairs">Pugwash Council on Science &amp; World Affairs</a>.</p> <p>We discuss rising global tensions following Israel’s war on Iran, Azerbaijan’s expanding geopolitical ambitions, Europe’s unclear foreign policy, and the risks Armenia faces while trying to reposition itself in a turbulent neighborhood.</p> <hr> <h2 id="topics-covered"><strong>Topics Covered</strong></h2> <ul> <li>Breaking developments around Venezuela and U.S. military signaling</li> <li>The potential for a renewed Iran–Israel conflict</li> <li>Azerbaijan’s Middle East strategy and ties with Israel</li> <li>Europe’s fragmented and reactive geopolitical posture</li> <li>Armenia’s uncertain turn toward Europe amid regional instability</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>What does Washington’s move on Venezuelan airspace signal?</li> <li>How likely is a new Iran war, and what did the June fighting reveal?</li> <li>How does Azerbaijan’s partnership with Israel shape Iran’s threat perception?</li> <li>What role might Turkey or Azerbaijan play in a worst-case scenario inside Iran?</li> <li>What is Baku trying to achieve in the Middle East?</li> <li>Why is Europe resistant to diplomatic off-ramps in Ukraine?</li> <li>Can Europe act as an independent geopolitical force?</li> <li>What can Europe realistically offer Armenia in security terms?</li> <li>What posture should Armenia adopt amid rising regional risks?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources"><strong>Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</strong></h2> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Armenia’s Self-Defeating Path</strong> <a href="https://www.theamericanconservative.com/armenia-treads-a-self-defeating-path/">https://www.theamericanconservative.com/armenia-treads-a-self-defeating-path/</a></p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/492-eldar-mamedov-geopolitics-armenia-azerbaijan-south-caucasus-europe-russia-iran-israel-ukraine/Mon, 01 Dec 2025 10:30:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/492-eldar-mamedov-geopolitics-armenia-azerbaijan-south-caucasus-europe-russia-iran-israel-ukraine/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>US and Venezuela. Potential for New War on Iran. Is Azerbaijan a “Middle Power”? Europe’s Confused Geopolitical Identity. Armenia’s Confused Geopolitics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/492/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/490-joel-veldkamp-armenian-church-clergy-arrests-prayer-breakfast-csi-religious-repression/Thu, 27 Nov 2025 21:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/490-joel-veldkamp-armenian-church-clergy-arrests-prayer-breakfast-csi-religious-repression/<p>Here are the <strong>Show Notes in clean Markdown</strong>, based <strong>exactly</strong> on your provided content, with <strong>all referenced links extracted and included</strong> at the end.</p> <hr> <h2 id="summary"><strong>Summary</strong></h2> <p>This episode of <em>Conversations on Groong</em> examines Armenia’s national “prayer breakfast” and the deepening repression against the Armenian Apostolic Church. Our guest, Joel Veldkamp of Christian Solidarity International (CSI), discusses his recent visit to Armenia, the arrests of clergy, the targeting of Church leadership, and the near-total silence from Western governments and many Christian groups. We explore why CSI is sounding the alarm, what is happening behind the government’s PR messaging, and what these developments mean for Armenia’s identity and future.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/490-joel-veldkamp-armenian-church-clergy-arrests-prayer-breakfast-csi-religious-repression/Thu, 27 Nov 2025 21:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/490-joel-veldkamp-armenian-church-clergy-arrests-prayer-breakfast-csi-religious-repression/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Clergy Arrests in Armenia. Church Under Pressure. Prayer Breakfast Controversy. Western Silence on Repression. CSI’s Findings in Yerevan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/490/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/489-garen-jinbachian-osce-human-dimension-armenia-azerbaijan-silence-of-the-west/Wed, 26 Nov 2025 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/489-garen-jinbachian-osce-human-dimension-armenia-azerbaijan-silence-of-the-west/<p>In this episode we examine the erosion of democratic norms across the South Caucasus. We discuss Azerbaijan’s ongoing war crimes, the sham trials of former Artsakh leaders, and the silence of Western institutions such as the OSCE. We also look at Armenia’s internal political crackdowns, the rise of pre-trial detentions, and the government’s widening campaign against the Armenian Church. Our guest, <strong>Garen Jinbachian</strong> of ANCA-WR, shares insights from the OSCE Human Dimension Conference and his broader human rights advocacy work.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/489-garen-jinbachian-osce-human-dimension-armenia-azerbaijan-silence-of-the-west/Wed, 26 Nov 2025 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/489-garen-jinbachian-osce-human-dimension-armenia-azerbaijan-silence-of-the-west/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode we examine the erosion of democratic norms across the South Caucasus. We discuss Azerbaijan’s ongoing war crimes, the sham trials of former Artsakh leaders, and the silence of Western institutions such as the OSCE. We also look at Armenia’s internal political crackdowns, the rise of pre-trial detentions, and the government’s widening campaign against the Armenian Church. Our guest, Garen Jinbachian of ANCA-WR, shares insights from the OSCE Human Dimension Conference and his broader human rights advocacy work.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/488-hrant-mikaelian-ukraine-war-geneva-28-point-plan-armenia-political-crisis-impeachment-elections-tripp-energy-grid-kazakhstan/Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:08:39 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/488-hrant-mikaelian-ukraine-war-geneva-28-point-plan-armenia-political-crisis-impeachment-elections-tripp-energy-grid-kazakhstan/<h1 id="summary"><strong>Summary</strong></h1> <p>This episode covers shifting Ukraine negotiations, Kazakhstan’s diplomatic moves, Armenia’s tightening political climate, the government’s pressure on the Church, the debate over impeachment vs elections, the seizure of Armenia’s power grid, and the continued arrests of political opponents and media figures. We speak with Hrant Mikaelian about what these developments reveal about Armenia’s political direction and its place in a volatile region.</p> <hr> <h1 id="main-topics-addressed"><strong>Main Topics Addressed</strong></h1> <ul> <li>Trump’s shrinking Ukraine peace plan and the Geneva reduction to 19 points</li> <li>Kazakhstan’s diplomatic balancing act and Pashinyan’s visit</li> <li>Wheat shipments, Russia’s “Kiss of Yerevan” statement, and the political backlash</li> <li>Vagharshapat election aftermath and the run-up to 2026</li> <li>Impeachment vs elections and whether they can happen in parallel</li> <li>The ENA license revocation and the power grid takeover</li> <li>Expanding political detentions</li> <li>Pressure on the Armenian Church and independent institutions</li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h1> <ul> <li>Is the new proposal a Minsk 3?</li> <li>Which elements make the peace plan unacceptable to Russia or Ukraine?</li> <li>Why is Kazakhstan rising diplomatically and how does Armenia fit into its strategy?</li> <li>What did Pashinyan’s award in Astana actually represent?</li> <li>Was the wheat shipment meaningful or only symbolic?</li> <li>What do the Vagharshapat results signal for 2026?</li> <li>Can impeachment efforts and election planning proceed together without weakening the opposition?</li> <li>Why did Armenia ignore the Stockholm Arbitration ruling on ENA?</li> <li>How will the power grid seizure affect investor confidence?</li> <li>What do current political detentions say about the state of civil liberties?</li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="referenced-articles-and-sources"><strong>Referenced Articles and Sources</strong></h1> <h3 id="ukraine-peace-plan-and-geneva-talks"><strong>Ukraine Peace Plan and Geneva Talks</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://niccolo.substack.com/p/to-end-a-war">To End a War (Niccolò Substack)</a></li> <li><a href="https://korybko.substack.com/p/analyzing-all-28-points-of-the-leaked">Analyzing the 28 Points (Korybko Substack)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/11/24/ukraine-peace-plan-europe-russia/">Washington Post on Geneva Reduction to 19 Points</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="kazakhstan-wheat-shipments-and-pashinyans-visit"><strong>Kazakhstan, Wheat Shipments, and Pashinyan’s Visit</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://astanatimes.com/2025/11/tokayev-trump-deepen-ties-with-17-billion-agreements/">Tokayev–Trump Meetings and Agreements</a></li> <li><a href="https://russiaspivottoasia.com/russia-kazakhstan-november-2025-presidential-meetings-strategic-partnership-agreement-npp-financing/">Kazakhstan–Russia Strategic Agreement</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.primeminister.am/en/press-release/item/2025/11/21/Nikol-Pashinyan-Kassym-Jomart-Tokayev/">Pashinyan’s Official Visit to Astana</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.primeminister.am/en/press-release/item/2025/11/21/Nikol-Pashinyan-Kazakhstan/">Tokayev Awards Pashinyan the Order of the Golden Eagle</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33586213.html">Shipment of Russian Wheat to Armenia</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="russias-accusation-and-armenias-response"><strong>Russia’s Accusation and Armenia’s Response</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://svr.gov.ru/smi/2025/11/potseluy-erevana.htm">SVR Statement “Kiss of Yerevan”</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33588226.html">Pashinyan Denies Allegations</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="electric-networks-of-armenia-and-power-grid-seizure"><strong>Electric Networks of Armenia and Power Grid Seizure</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://arminfo.info/full_news.php?id=93606">Stockholm Arbitration Ruling</a></li> <li><a href="https://mirrorspectator.com/2025/11/18/armenias-regulator-moves-to-strip-karapetyans-firm-of-power-grid-license/">PSRC Revokes ENA License</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="political-prisoners"><strong>Political Prisoners</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33598388.html">Lydia Mantashyan Pre-Trial Detention Extended</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="don"><strong>Don&rsquo;t forget to support us:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/488-hrant-mikaelian-ukraine-war-geneva-28-point-plan-armenia-political-crisis-impeachment-elections-tripp-energy-grid-kazakhstan/Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:08:39 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/488-hrant-mikaelian-ukraine-war-geneva-28-point-plan-armenia-political-crisis-impeachment-elections-tripp-energy-grid-kazakhstan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>High-Stakes Ukraine Talks. Armenia’s Growing Political Detentions. Pashinyan Honored In Kazakhstan. Rising Pressure On The Church. Impeachment vs. Elections. Pashinyan Seizes Power Grid.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/488/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/487-hayk-mamijanyan-armenia-freedom-of-expression-at-risk-imnemnimi-arrests-vagharshapat-municipal-outcome/Wed, 19 Nov 2025 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/487-hayk-mamijanyan-armenia-freedom-of-expression-at-risk-imnemnimi-arrests-vagharshapat-municipal-outcome/<h1 id="summary"><strong>Summary</strong></h1> <p>This conversation with opposition leader <strong>Hayk Mamijanyan</strong> covers the growing pressure on free speech in Armenia, the arrests of prominent podcasters, the wider pattern of attacks on journalists, and concerns about the state of Armenia’s judiciary and law enforcement. We also discuss the Vagharshapat municipal election, reported misuse of administrative resources, the merger of electoral districts, and what these trends may signal for the June 2026 parliamentary elections. Mamijanyan outlines the opposition’s strategy for the impeachment process and its limits, while noting the silence of international actors and the risks facing independent media.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/487-hayk-mamijanyan-armenia-freedom-of-expression-at-risk-imnemnimi-arrests-vagharshapat-municipal-outcome/Wed, 19 Nov 2025 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/487-hayk-mamijanyan-armenia-freedom-of-expression-at-risk-imnemnimi-arrests-vagharshapat-municipal-outcome/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Freedom of Expression at Risk in Armenia. Vagharshapat Municipal Outcomes. Republican Party Election Strategy. Stand in Support of Independent Media and Journalism in Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/487/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/486-sergei-melkonian-ukraine-iran-israel-c5-1-washington-armenia-vagharshapat-municipal-outcome/Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/486-sergei-melkonian-ukraine-iran-israel-c5-1-washington-armenia-vagharshapat-municipal-outcome/<h1 id="summary"><strong>Summary</strong></h1> <p>We spoke with Dr. Sergei Melkonian about the shifting fronts in the Ukraine war, Russia’s winter strategy, and how these dynamics tie into Trump’s post-Alaska summit ceasefire diplomacy. We also discussed the rising risk of an Iran–Israel war, Iran’s view of the TRIPP (Trump Route) corridor in Armenia, and the strategic opening the U.S. is making in Central Asia with the C5+1 summit. Finally, we reviewed the Vagharshapat municipal election, reports of administrative resource abuse, the role of state-affiliated NGOs, and what this vote may or may not signal for Armenia’s 2026 parliamentary elections.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/486-sergei-melkonian-ukraine-iran-israel-c5-1-washington-armenia-vagharshapat-municipal-outcome/Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/486-sergei-melkonian-ukraine-iran-israel-c5-1-washington-armenia-vagharshapat-municipal-outcome/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Ukraine and Iran-Israel Conflicts. C5+1 in Washington DC. Vagharshapat/Etchmiadzin Municipal.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/486/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/485-arthur-khachikyan-imnemnimi-podcasters-arrested-freedom-of-expression-at-risk-in-armenia/Fri, 14 Nov 2025 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/485-arthur-khachikyan-imnemnimi-podcasters-arrested-freedom-of-expression-at-risk-in-armenia/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, Dr. Arthur Khachikyan discusses the rapid erosion of free expression in Armenia after the arrest of Imnemnimi podcasters Vazgen Saghatelyan and Narek Samsonyan. The conversation traces how a personal insult case against Speaker Alen Simonyan turned into an NSS raid on the AntiFake / Imnemnimi studio, pretrial detention for four staff, and the seizure of all production equipment. Khachikyan places this case in a wider pattern of pressure on journalists, lawyers, priests, and political scientists, and stresses how Western silence and double standards enable this crackdown. The episode ends with a call to Armenian and international audiences to use what remains of their freedom to expose this campaign and defend what is left of Armenia’s democracy.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/485-arthur-khachikyan-imnemnimi-podcasters-arrested-freedom-of-expression-at-risk-in-armenia/Fri, 14 Nov 2025 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/485-arthur-khachikyan-imnemnimi-podcasters-arrested-freedom-of-expression-at-risk-in-armenia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, Dr. Arthur Khachikyan discusses the rapid erosion of free expression in Armenia after the arrest of Imnemnimi podcasters Vazgen Saghatelyan and Narek Samsonyan. The conversation traces how a personal insult case against Speaker Alen Simonyan turned into an NSS raid on the AntiFake / Imnemnimi studio, pretrial detention for four staff, and the seizure of all production equipment. Khachikyan places this case in a wider pattern of pressure on journalists, lawyers, priests, and political scientists, and stresses how Western silence and double standards enable this crackdown. The episode ends with a call to Armenian and international audiences to use what remains of their freedom to expose this campaign and defend what is left of Armenia’s democracy.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/484-arthur-martirosyan-44-day-war-ukraine-iran-israel-sargsyan-kocharyan-interviews-narek-karapetyan-on-tucker-carlson/Tue, 11 Nov 2025 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/484-arthur-martirosyan-44-day-war-ukraine-iran-israel-sargsyan-kocharyan-interviews-narek-karapetyan-on-tucker-carlson/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>Five years after the 44-Day War, we take stock of what changed and what did not. Arthur Martirosyan reviews lessons Armenia still has not learned, then looks at the <strong>Ukraine war</strong>’s likely path and the risks of an <strong>Iran-Israel escalation</strong> for Armenia. We discuss key claims from <strong>Serge Sargsyan</strong>’s long interview on the Imnemnimi Podcast and <strong>Robert Kocharyan</strong>’s interviewon Channel 5, including alleged missed ceasefire windows, and we cover <strong>Narek Karapetyan’s appearance on Tucker Carlson</strong> about church persecution and Armenia’s drift toward rule by law.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/484-arthur-martirosyan-44-day-war-ukraine-iran-israel-sargsyan-kocharyan-interviews-narek-karapetyan-on-tucker-carlson/Tue, 11 Nov 2025 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/484-arthur-martirosyan-44-day-war-ukraine-iran-israel-sargsyan-kocharyan-interviews-narek-karapetyan-on-tucker-carlson/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Five years after the 44-Day War, we take stock of what changed and what did not. Arthur Martirosyan reviews lessons Armenia still has not learned, then looks at the Ukraine war’s likely path and the risks of an Iran-Israel escalation for Armenia. We discuss key claims from Serge Sargsyan’s long interview on the Imnemnimi Podcast and Robert Kocharyan’s interviewon Channel 5, including alleged missed ceasefire windows, and we cover Narek Karapetyan’s appearance on Tucker Carlson about church persecution and Armenia’s drift toward rule by law.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/483-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-war-pashinyan-persecution-of-armenian-apostolic-church-and-opposition-intensifies/Tue, 04 Nov 2025 02:20:32 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/483-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-war-pashinyan-persecution-of-armenian-apostolic-church-and-opposition-intensifies/<h1 id="groong-week-in-review-ep-483--show-notes">Groong Week in Review, Ep 483 — Show Notes</h1> <h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan joins us and We cover the Ukraine war’s trajectory and why a simple “freeze” only defers conflict, review US–Russia dynamics under Trump, and consider how a China focus and possible Venezuela moves could affect Armenia. We examine Pashinyan’s confrontation with the Armenian Church and the wave of opposition detentions, then dig into border demarcation, possible enclave trades, and Baku’s “Western Azerbaijan” rhetoric. We also discuss a second-track meeting in Yerevan that included Artsakh-blockade figures, and Pashinyan&rsquo;s new “Police Guard” plan.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/483-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-war-pashinyan-persecution-of-armenian-apostolic-church-and-opposition-intensifies/Tue, 04 Nov 2025 02:20:32 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/483-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-war-pashinyan-persecution-of-armenian-apostolic-church-and-opposition-intensifies/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Ukraine war status and U.S.–Russia dynamics. Church–state tensions and religious prosecutions. Opposition arrests, trials, and civil liberties. Border demarcation, enclaves.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/483/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/482-trita-parsi-prospectgrounds-consequences-of-a-second-israeli-war-on-iran/Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/482-trita-parsi-prospectgrounds-consequences-of-a-second-israeli-war-on-iran/<p>A deep dive with Dr. Trita Parsi on whether Israel will strike Iran again, why June’s war left “unfinished business,” how much Israel depends on the United States, what Iran’s rapid-response playbook looks like after June, and how a wider fight could spill into the South Caucasus and affect Armenia. Recorded Oct 30, 2025.</p> <h3 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h3> <ul> <li>Timing and intent for an Israel–Iran clash.</li> <li>Unfinished business from the June war.</li> <li>The US role, limited support or full entry.</li> <li>Iran’s escalation ladder and Caucasus spillover scenarios.</li> </ul> <h3 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h3> <ul> <li>Does the December timetable still hold, and what could cancel the war outright.</li> <li>What Israel would need to achieve in the first 48 hours to claim success.</li> <li>Can Washington avoid being dragged in, and what thresholds shift a limited role to full entry.</li> <li>How ready Iran is, what rungs exist on its escalation ladder, and what a Hormuz disruption would mean.</li> <li>How a war could spill into the South Caucasus, including Armenia’s exposure and US moves in the region.</li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="don"><strong>Don&rsquo;t forget to support us:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/482-trita-parsi-prospectgrounds-consequences-of-a-second-israeli-war-on-iran/Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/482-trita-parsi-prospectgrounds-consequences-of-a-second-israeli-war-on-iran/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>A deep dive with Dr. Trita Parsi on whether Israel will strike Iran again, why June’s war left “unfinished business,” how much Israel depends on the United States, what Iran’s rapid-response playbook looks like after June, and how a wider fight could spill into the South Caucasus and affect Armenia. Recorded Oct 30, 2025.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/482/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20251101-transcript-482-trita-parsi-prospectgrounds-consequences-of-a-second-israeli-war-on-iran/Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20251101-transcript-482-trita-parsi-prospectgrounds-consequences-of-a-second-israeli-war-on-iran/<p>A deep dive with Dr. Trita Parsi on whether Israel will strike Iran again, why June’s war left “unfinished business,” how much Israel depends on the United States, what Iran’s rapid-response playbook looks like after June, and how a wider fight could spill into the South Caucasus and affect Armenia. Recorded Oct 30, 2025.</p> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/482/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Trita Parsi - Prospect, Grounds and Consequences of a Second Israeli War on Iran  | Ep 482, Nov 1, 2025</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong - Recorded on: October 30, 2025</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2025-11-01</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 482</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/482">https://podcasts.groong.org/482</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/hn0UM3BPYOc">https://youtu.be/hn0UM3BPYOc</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/tparsi">Trita Parsi</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/tparsi">Dr. Trita Parsi</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/481-arthur-khachatryan-euronest-aliyev-armenia-transit-move-tripp-gryumri-mayor-arrest-pashinyan-attacks-church/Fri, 31 Oct 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/481-arthur-khachatryan-euronest-aliyev-armenia-transit-move-tripp-gryumri-mayor-arrest-pashinyan-attacks-church/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>We spoke with MP Arthur Khachatryan about three fronts shaping Armenia’s near term, Euronest politics and what EU rhetoric vs. executive policy means for Yerevan, Aliyev’s transit announcement and the TRIPP push, and a deepening domestic clampdown that now targets the Armenian Church and elected local officials. We also covered the Gyumri mayor’s detention and new “Article 422” speech charges, how these moves feed into the 2026 elections, and why real de-blocking requires practical, two-way access rather than headlines.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/481-arthur-khachatryan-euronest-aliyev-armenia-transit-move-tripp-gryumri-mayor-arrest-pashinyan-attacks-church/Fri, 31 Oct 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/481-arthur-khachatryan-euronest-aliyev-armenia-transit-move-tripp-gryumri-mayor-arrest-pashinyan-attacks-church/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>We spoke with MP Arthur Khachatryan about three fronts shaping Armenia’s near term, Euronest politics and what EU rhetoric vs. executive policy means for Yerevan, Aliyev’s transit announcement and the TRIPP push, and a deepening domestic clampdown that now targets the Armenian Church and elected local officials. We also covered the Gyumri mayor’s detention and new “Article 422” speech charges, how these moves feed into the 2026 elections, and why real de-blocking requires practical, two-way access rather than headlines.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/480-pietro-shakarian-anastas-mikoyan-an-armenian-reformer-in-khrushchevs-kremlin/Wed, 22 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/480-pietro-shakarian-anastas-mikoyan-an-armenian-reformer-in-khrushchevs-kremlin/<h1 id="ep-480---pietro-shakarian">Ep-480 - Pietro Shakarian</h1> <h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>Dr. Pietro Shakarian explains the core arguments and new archival findings behind his book on Anastas Mikoyan. We cover Mikoyan’s effort to devolve power inside the USSR during Khrushchev’s constitutional reform drive, what a confederal model could have meant, and why it stalled. We discuss Mikoyan’s role in Armenia’s cultural thaw, including rehabilitations tied to his 1954 Yerevan speech. Shakarian details his research trail across Russian and Armenian archives, 1960s Artsakh petitions, Mikoyan’s stance toward the Armenian Church, and how his Armenian identity surfaced during Cold War crises.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/480-pietro-shakarian-anastas-mikoyan-an-armenian-reformer-in-khrushchevs-kremlin/Wed, 22 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/480-pietro-shakarian-anastas-mikoyan-an-armenian-reformer-in-khrushchevs-kremlin/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Research journey, archives Moscow and Yerevan. Mikoyan’s vision of confederation for the USSR. Artsakh’s status within Soviet constraints. De-Stalinization and Armenia’s cultural thaw. Mikoyan’s stance toward the Armenian Church.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/480/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/479-dziunik-aghajanian-ukraine-war-budapest-summit-gaza-ceasefire-iran-tripp-armenian-church-repressions/Tue, 21 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/479-dziunik-aghajanian-ukraine-war-budapest-summit-gaza-ceasefire-iran-tripp-armenian-church-repressions/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>We spoke with Ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian about three linked fronts that shape Armenia’s risk picture today: the Ukraine war and a possible Trump–Putin meeting in Budapest, the Gaza ceasefire push and the roles of Qatar and Turkey, and widening political prosecutions in Armenia, including arrests of senior clergy and opposition figures. We also looked at the risk of strikes on Iran, why nearby corridors matter for Tehran’s calculus, and how these external pressures feed back into Armenia’s domestic scene. The conversation focused on the week ending October 19, 2025.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/479-dziunik-aghajanian-ukraine-war-budapest-summit-gaza-ceasefire-iran-tripp-armenian-church-repressions/Tue, 21 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/479-dziunik-aghajanian-ukraine-war-budapest-summit-gaza-ceasefire-iran-tripp-armenian-church-repressions/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>We spoke with Ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian about three linked fronts that shape Armenia’s risk picture today: the Ukraine war and a possible Trump–Putin meeting in Budapest, the Gaza ceasefire push and the roles of Qatar and Turkey, and widening political prosecutions in Armenia, including arrests of senior clergy and opposition figures. We also looked at the risk of strikes on Iran, why nearby corridors matter for Tehran’s calculus, and how these external pressures feed back into Armenia’s domestic scene. The conversation focused on the week ending October 19, 2025.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/478-hrant-mikaelian-cis-ots-trump-route-armenia-opposition-karapetyan-kocharyan-tatoyan-vanetsyan-tsarukyan-2026/Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/478-hrant-mikaelian-cis-ots-trump-route-armenia-opposition-karapetyan-kocharyan-tatoyan-vanetsyan-tsarukyan-2026/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>This episode covers Armenia’s growing geopolitical balancing act as regional and domestic politics intensify ahead of the 2026 elections. Hrant Mikaelian joins to analyze Pashinyan’s “Trump Route” pitch at the CIS summit, Aliyev’s renewed push for the Zangezur Corridor, and Russia’s diplomatic recalibration after the AZAL crash. The discussion then turns to Armenia’s changing political landscape, including Samvel Karapetyan’s <em>In Our Way</em> movement, Arman Tatoyan’s <em>Wings of Unity</em>, and Robert Kocharyan’s proposal for a more sovereign, multi-route strategy to connect Armenia with its neighbors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/478-hrant-mikaelian-cis-ots-trump-route-armenia-opposition-karapetyan-kocharyan-tatoyan-vanetsyan-tsarukyan-2026/Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/478-hrant-mikaelian-cis-ots-trump-route-armenia-opposition-karapetyan-kocharyan-tatoyan-vanetsyan-tsarukyan-2026/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This episode covers Armenia’s growing geopolitical balancing act as regional and domestic politics intensify ahead of the 2026 elections. Hrant Mikaelian joins to analyze Pashinyan’s “Trump Route” pitch at the CIS summit, Aliyev’s renewed push for the Zangezur Corridor, and Russia’s diplomatic recalibration after the AZAL crash. The discussion then turns to Armenia’s changing political landscape, including Samvel Karapetyan’s In Our Way movement, Arman Tatoyan’s Wings of Unity, and Robert Kocharyan’s proposal for a more sovereign, multi-route strategy to connect Armenia with its neighbors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/477-benyamin-poghosyan-ajapahyan-sentencing-moldova-elections-armenia-epc-summit-peace-act-military-personnel-shortages-defense-budget-cuts/Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:20:32 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/477-benyamin-poghosyan-ajapahyan-sentencing-moldova-elections-armenia-epc-summit-peace-act-military-personnel-shortages-defense-budget-cuts/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>With <strong>Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan</strong> We cover Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan’s two-year sentence and what it signals in an lethargic Armenia, Moldova’s election and diaspora voting, the EU’s patterns of force ahead of Armenia’s 2026 vote, takeaways from the European Political Community (EPC) in Copenhagen and the Warsaw Security Forum (WSF), the politics of the U.S. PEACE Act, defense shifts including a shortened 18-month military service plan contrasted with acknowledged military serviceman shortage, and the internal fight over the stalled 44-day war report.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/477-benyamin-poghosyan-ajapahyan-sentencing-moldova-elections-armenia-epc-summit-peace-act-military-personnel-shortages-defense-budget-cuts/Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:20:32 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/477-benyamin-poghosyan-ajapahyan-sentencing-moldova-elections-armenia-epc-summit-peace-act-military-personnel-shortages-defense-budget-cuts/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>With Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan We cover Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan’s two-year sentence and what it signals in an lethargic Armenia, Moldova’s election and diaspora voting, the EU’s patterns of force ahead of Armenia’s 2026 vote, takeaways from the European Political Community (EPC) in Copenhagen and the Warsaw Security Forum (WSF), the politics of the U.S. PEACE Act, defense shifts including a shortened 18-month military service plan contrasted with acknowledged military serviceman shortage, and the internal fight over the stalled 44-day war report.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/476-hovik-manucharyan-asbed-bedrossian-44-day-war-a-tale-of-betrayal/Wed, 01 Oct 2025 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/476-hovik-manucharyan-asbed-bedrossian-44-day-war-a-tale-of-betrayal/<h1 id="summary">Summary:</h1> <p>We reflect on September 27 and the 44-Day War, tracing how Pashinyan’s 2018 rise set the stage for broken negotiations, secret leader-to-leader contacts, poor defense choices, and a propaganda-laden war that the Armenian government failed to mobilize for. We revisit ceasefire rejections, Russia’s stand-off posture, and the postwar slide into demilitarization, border retreats, and historical revisionism. We close on accountability, the need for a real war commission, and the right of Artsakh’s people to return.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/476-hovik-manucharyan-asbed-bedrossian-44-day-war-a-tale-of-betrayal/Wed, 01 Oct 2025 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/476-hovik-manucharyan-asbed-bedrossian-44-day-war-a-tale-of-betrayal/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Pashinyan’s rise and Western backing. Breakdown of talks and secret meetings. Failures and propaganda during the war. Aftermath, revisionism, and political responsibility.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/476/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/475-archil-sikharulidze-georgia-tbilisi-elections-2025-kakha-kaladze-foreign-agent-law-tripp-south-caucasus/Tue, 30 Sep 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/475-archil-sikharulidze-georgia-tbilisi-elections-2025-kakha-kaladze-foreign-agent-law-tripp-south-caucasus/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>We look at Georgia’s Oct 4 municipal elections, why the races feel lower stakes than parliamentary contests, and why Tbilisi remains the real battleground. Archil outlines Georgian Dream’s strength, the opposition’s fragmentation and boycotts, and how public fatigue shapes turnout. We review Kakha Kaladze’s record in the capital, the debate over sanctions and asset freezes, and what the “foreign agent” law has changed for NGOs. We close with Georgia’s view on TRIPP and a brief Georgia-Armenia comparison.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/475-archil-sikharulidze-georgia-tbilisi-elections-2025-kakha-kaladze-foreign-agent-law-tripp-south-caucasus/Tue, 30 Sep 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/475-archil-sikharulidze-georgia-tbilisi-elections-2025-kakha-kaladze-foreign-agent-law-tripp-south-caucasus/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>We look at Georgia’s Oct 4 municipal elections, why the races feel lower stakes than parliamentary contests, and why Tbilisi remains the real battleground. Archil outlines Georgian Dream’s strength, the opposition’s fragmentation and boycotts, and how public fatigue shapes turnout. We review Kakha Kaladze’s record in the capital, the debate over sanctions and asset freezes, and what the “foreign agent” law has changed for NGOs. We close with Georgia’s view on TRIPP and a brief Georgia-Armenia comparison.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/474-arthur-martirosyan-september-19-artsakh-ethnic-cleansing-civil-contract-seventh-congress-opposition-samvel-karapetyan/Tue, 23 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/474-arthur-martirosyan-september-19-artsakh-ethnic-cleansing-civil-contract-seventh-congress-opposition-samvel-karapetyan/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>We look back at September 19, 2023, when Azerbaijan attacked Artsakh after a nine-month blockade, killing 223 people and forcing Artsakh to disarm, then the exodus of 120,000 Armenians through the Lachin corridor. We discuss how that outcome was shaped by Yerevan’s stance, and what has followed. We examine Civil Contract’s 7th congress and the “Fourth Republic” plan tied to a new constitution after 2026, the EU framing, and the peace narrative. We also cover the opposition’s split strategy ahead of 2026 and the ENA situation, including nationalization versus foreign operator scenarios and what that signals to investors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/474-arthur-martirosyan-september-19-artsakh-ethnic-cleansing-civil-contract-seventh-congress-opposition-samvel-karapetyan/Tue, 23 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/474-arthur-martirosyan-september-19-artsakh-ethnic-cleansing-civil-contract-seventh-congress-opposition-samvel-karapetyan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>We look back at September 19, 2023, when Azerbaijan attacked Artsakh after a nine-month blockade, killing 223 people and forcing Artsakh to disarm, then the exodus of 120,000 Armenians through the Lachin corridor. We discuss how that outcome was shaped by Yerevan’s stance, and what has followed. We examine Civil Contract’s 7th congress and the “Fourth Republic” plan tied to a new constitution after 2026, the EU framing, and the peace narrative. We also cover the opposition’s split strategy ahead of 2026 and the ENA situation, including nationalization versus foreign operator scenarios and what that signals to investors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/473-armen-ashotyan-pashinyan-vote-of-no-confidence-armenian-opposition-strategies/Fri, 19 Sep 2025 00:29:42 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/473-armen-ashotyan-pashinyan-vote-of-no-confidence-armenian-opposition-strategies/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p><strong>Armen Ashotyan</strong>, vice president of the Republican Party of Armenia, explains the opposition’s plan for a no-confidence path against Pashinyan, how impeachment procedure pairs with street mobilization, and why opposition unity matters ahead of 2026. We also unpack TRIPP, the announced U.S. funding, and the gap between “up to 99 years” language heard in Washington and what appears in the MoUs published by Yerevan. Ashotyan rejects the “Pashinyan or war” binary and says real peace requires security first.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/473-armen-ashotyan-pashinyan-vote-of-no-confidence-armenian-opposition-strategies/Fri, 19 Sep 2025 00:29:42 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/473-armen-ashotyan-pashinyan-vote-of-no-confidence-armenian-opposition-strategies/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armen Ashotyan, vice president of the Republican Party of Armenia, explains the opposition’s plan for a no-confidence path against Pashinyan, how impeachment procedure pairs with street mobilization, and why opposition unity matters ahead of 2026. We also unpack TRIPP, the announced U.S. funding, and the gap between “up to 99 years” language heard in Washington and what appears in the MoUs published by Yerevan. Ashotyan rejects the “Pashinyan or war” binary and says real peace requires security first.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/472-arthur-khachatryan-sep13-war-turkish-armenian-normalization-tripp-us-state-dept-military-service/Wed, 17 Sep 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/472-arthur-khachatryan-sep13-war-turkish-armenian-normalization-tripp-us-state-dept-military-service/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>Three years after the Sep 13, 2022 attack that killed 224 Armenian servicemen and left more than 200 sq km under occupation, the show asks why the state mutes remembrance while talking up “peace.” Hayastan Dashinq/ARF MP <strong>Arthur Khachatryan</strong> joins us to unpack the envoys’ “expedite” language against Ankara’s and Baku’s preconditions and probe TRIPP’s core unknowns, from “unhindered communication” and border checks to who actually gets paid. We then assess the plan to shorten service and cut defense outlays, and close on the slowing economy, rising debt risks, and a policy mix that shifts manpower inward while leaving open questions at the frontier.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/472-arthur-khachatryan-sep13-war-turkish-armenian-normalization-tripp-us-state-dept-military-service/Wed, 17 Sep 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/472-arthur-khachatryan-sep13-war-turkish-armenian-normalization-tripp-us-state-dept-military-service/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Three years after the Sep 13, 2022 attack that killed 224 Armenian servicemen and left more than 200 sq km under occupation, the show asks why the state mutes remembrance while talking up “peace.” Hayastan Dashinq/ARF MP Arthur Khachatryan joins us to unpack the envoys’ “expedite” language against Ankara’s and Baku’s preconditions and probe TRIPP’s core unknowns, from “unhindered communication” and border checks to who actually gets paid. We then assess the plan to shorten service and cut defense outlays, and close on the slowing economy, rising debt risks, and a policy mix that shifts manpower inward while leaving open questions at the frontier.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/471-hrant-mikaelian-war-on-iran-russia-on-tripp-mpg-poll-in-armenia-economy-in-2025/Tue, 09 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/471-hrant-mikaelian-war-on-iran-russia-on-tripp-mpg-poll-in-armenia-economy-in-2025/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>This week’s Week in Review with Hrant Mikaelian covers mounting tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and the risk of renewed war, Russia’s muted stance on the TRIPP corridor despite U.S. and Turkish advances, fresh data from the MPG poll on Armenia’s politics and society, and the state of Armenia’s economy at mid-2025, with particular focus on re-exports, debt, and government underperformance.</p> <h1 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h1> <ul> <li><strong>War in Iran</strong>: The E3 snapback sanctions, Iran’s possible NPT withdrawal, and risks of a U.S.-Israeli escalation.</li> <li><strong>TRIPP Corridor</strong>: U.S. and Israeli leverage, Paul Goble’s views, Russia’s puzzling response, Iran’s split stance.</li> <li><strong>MPG Poll Findings</strong>: <ul> <li>Attitudes toward the Aug 8 White House TRIPP agreement.</li> <li>Views on opening a road through Syunik.</li> <li>Whether Washington agreements will bring peace.</li> <li>Constitutional change as a precondition from Azerbaijan.</li> <li>Political prisoners, including Samvel Karapetyan and Bagrat Srbazan.</li> <li>Party standings if elections were held today.</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Armenian Economy H1/2025</strong>: Decline in re-exports, slowdown in industry, underperformance of key ministries, rising debt, and growth trends in construction and agriculture.</li> </ul> <h1 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h1> <ul> <li>Is the West pushing Iran into a corner, and could this lead to renewed war?</li> <li>Could TRIPP serve as a launchpad for U.S. and Israeli operations against Iran?</li> <li>Why is Russia muted while Paul Goble and U.S. analysts are exuberant?</li> <li>What do the MPG poll results reveal about Armenian public opinion on TRIPP, peace prospects, constitutional change, and political prisoners?</li> <li>Does Samvel Karapetyan’s rise in polling numbers suggest a viable opposition force in 2026?</li> <li>How sustainable is Armenia’s economy given re-export decline, underperforming ministries, and rising debt?</li> </ul> <h1 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h1> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/29/russia-china-slam-european-nations-over-iran-snapback-sanctions-move">Al Jazeera – Russia, China slam European nations over Iran snapback sanctions move</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.mehrnews.com/news/236175/Iran-parl-could-discuss-emergency-plan-to-exit-NPT-Sun-MP">Mehr News – Iran parliament may discuss exit from NPT</a></li> <li><a href="https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/08/11/israel-iran-war-trump-nuclear-august-december/">Foreign Policy – Israel-Iran war could come before December</a></li> <li><a href="https://reliefweb.int/report/armenia/how-goble-plan-was-born-and-how-it-remains-political-factor">ReliefWeb – How the Goble Plan was born</a></li> <li><a href="https://ria.ru/20250906/overchuk-2040140270.html">RIA – Overchuk on TRIPP</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us-secures-strategic-transit-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-deal-2025-08-07/">Reuters – U.S. secures strategic transit corridor Armenia-Azerbaijan</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.luys.am/img/artpic/small/272ea2668ff86421398504-2025-%D5%AB%D4%B2%D5%B5%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%BB%D5%A5%D5%AB1-%D5%AB%D5%B6%D5%AF%D5%AB%D5%BD%D5%A1%D5%B4%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%AB%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%BF%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%B8%D5%B2%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%B6-2025.pdf">Luys Foundation – H1/2025 Armenian Economy report</a></li> <li><a href="https://168.am/2025/08/25/2266794.html">168.am – Digest of Luys report</a></li> <li><a href="https://caucasuswatch.de/en/news/armenias-mixed-economy-growth-in-services-offsets-trade-and-industry-decline.html">Caucasus Watch – Armenia’s mixed economy</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="thoughts-from-the-participants">Thoughts from the Participants</h1> <ul> <li><strong>Hrant Mikaelian</strong>: On Netanyahu’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide and the controversial renovations at Tsitsernakaberd.</li> <li><strong>Asbed</strong>: Questioned why Pashinyan refused to request the return of POWs or territory during the August 8 White House meeting.</li> <li><strong>Hovik</strong>: No additional statement this week.</li> </ul> <h1 id="mpg-poll">MPG Poll</h1> <hr> <h2 id="slide-2-methodology">Slide 2: Methodology</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Research method</strong>: Telephone surveys</li> <li><strong>Sample Size</strong>: 1101</li> <li><strong>Error Margin</strong>: ±3%</li> <li><strong>Implementation period</strong>: August 25, 2025 - August 30, 2025</li> <li><strong>Research location</strong>: Republic of Armenia</li> </ul> <p><p class="md__image"> <img src="https://podcasts.groong.org/img/episode/471/slides/MPG-slide-02.webp" alt="Slide 2" title="Slide 2" class="img-fluid" /> </p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/471-hrant-mikaelian-war-on-iran-russia-on-tripp-mpg-poll-in-armenia-economy-in-2025/Tue, 09 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/471-hrant-mikaelian-war-on-iran-russia-on-tripp-mpg-poll-in-armenia-economy-in-2025/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This week’s Week in Review with Hrant Mikaelian covers mounting tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and the risk of renewed war, Russia’s muted stance on the TRIPP corridor despite U.S. and Turkish advances, fresh data from the MPG poll on Armenia’s politics and society, and the state of Armenia’s economy at mid-2025, with particular focus on re-exports, debt, and government underperformance.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/471/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/470-lenna-hovanessian-august8-white-house-artsakh-anca-cuellar-genocide-diaspora-lobbying/Sun, 07 Sep 2025 18:30:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/470-lenna-hovanessian-august8-white-house-artsakh-anca-cuellar-genocide-diaspora-lobbying/<p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Lenna Hovanessian, board member of the ANC-Western Region, about the aftermath of the August 8 White House meeting between Pashinyan, Aliyev, and Trump. We discuss the omissions in the agreements, including the rights of Artsakh Armenians, the release of hostages, and protection of cultural heritage. The conversation also covers the Section 907 waiver, dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group, strained diaspora–Armenia relations, Pashinyan’s stance on Genocide recognition, Azerbaijan’s lobbying efforts, and the Cuellar bribery case, where ANCA has asked that Armenian Americans be designated as victims.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/470-lenna-hovanessian-august8-white-house-artsakh-anca-cuellar-genocide-diaspora-lobbying/Sun, 07 Sep 2025 18:30:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/470-lenna-hovanessian-august8-white-house-artsakh-anca-cuellar-genocide-diaspora-lobbying/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Lenna Hovanessian, board member of the ANC-Western Region, about the aftermath of the August 8 White House meeting between Pashinyan, Aliyev, and Trump. We discuss the omissions in the agreements, including the rights of Artsakh Armenians, the release of hostages, and protection of cultural heritage. The conversation also covers the Section 907 waiver, dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group, strained diaspora–Armenia relations, Pashinyan’s stance on Genocide recognition, Azerbaijan’s lobbying efforts, and the Cuellar bribery case, where ANCA has asked that Armenian Americans be designated as victims.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/469-gilbert-doctorow-sco-summit-tianjin-multipolarity-armenia-india-china-russia-gas-pipeline/Sat, 06 Sep 2025 03:30:30 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/469-gilbert-doctorow-sco-summit-tianjin-multipolarity-armenia-india-china-russia-gas-pipeline/<h1 id="show-notes">Show Notes</h1> <p>In this <em>Conversations on Groong</em> episode, we speak with <strong>Dr. Gilbert Doctorow</strong> about the <strong>Shanghai Cooperation Organization</strong> (SCO) Summit held in Tianjin, China, on August 31–September 1, 2025. We cover the summit’s outcomes, China–India relations, Russia’s energy pivot, Victory Day commemorations, and what the SCO means for Armenia.</p> <hr> <h1 id="topics-covered">Topics Covered</h1> <ul> <li>The SCO Summit in Tianjin and the shift toward multipolarity</li> <li>Armenia’s blocked membership bid and the India–Pakistan dynamic</li> <li>Victory Day commemorations in China and Trump’s TruthSocial reaction</li> <li>The symbolism of Xi–Modi’s meeting and whether the U.S. has “lost” India</li> <li>Russia’s Power of Siberia-2 pipeline and its impact on Europe and Asia</li> <li>What&rsquo;s in it for Armenia?</li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h1> <ul> <li>How has the SCO evolved from a security forum into an economic and political bloc?</li> <li>What stood out in Tianjin as genuine turning points in global governance?</li> <li>How do Armenia and Azerbaijan fit into the SCO when each is blocked by rivals?</li> <li>What does Victory Day signify in Chinese political culture, and how does Trump’s framing play into U.S. domestic politics?</li> <li>Has the U.S. truly “lost” India, or is India leveraging all sides?</li> <li>What balance emerges if India joins Russia and China at the SCO core?</li> <li>How does the Power of Siberia-2 pipeline reshape Russia’s energy map, Europe’s exclusion, and Asia’s future supply?</li> </ul> <h1 id="books-by-dr-doctorow">Books by Dr. Doctorow</h1> <ul> <li><a href="https://a.co/d/7J6szrP">War Diaries</a></li> <li><a href="https://a.co/d/1lW8vNi">Memoirs of a Russianist: From the Ground Up and Russia in the Roaring 1990s</a></li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="links-referenced-during-the-show">Links Referenced During The Show</h1> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.worldaffairsincontext.com/p/a-new-chapter-in-global-governance">A New Chapter in Global Governance: The 2025 SCO Summit and the Rise of Multipolarity (World Affairs in Context, Lena Petrova)</a></li> <li><a href="https://simplicius76.substack.com/p/chinas-sco-summit-highlights-wests">China’s SCO Summit Highlights West’s Growing Ideological Isolation (Simplicius)</a></li> <li><a href="https://substack.com/@glenn-diesen">The Dawning of a New World Order (Glenn Diesen)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.ft.com/content/52d3b560-7ee7-4aad-aebf-21270d661ced">Financial Times: Russia says China has agreed vast new Siberia gas pipeline</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.ft.com/content/a974a056-274a-4606-9de1-be18519fb5de">Financial Times: A China-Russia sweetheart gas deal could upset US energy exporters</a></li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="don"><strong>Don&rsquo;t forget to support us:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/469-gilbert-doctorow-sco-summit-tianjin-multipolarity-armenia-india-china-russia-gas-pipeline/Sat, 06 Sep 2025 03:30:30 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/469-gilbert-doctorow-sco-summit-tianjin-multipolarity-armenia-india-china-russia-gas-pipeline/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>SCO Summit in Tianjin, China. China-India Thaw. Power of Siberia Gas Pipeline. What’s in it for Armenia?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/469/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/468-robert-amsterdam-samvel-karapetyan-lawfare-armenia-political-prisoner-church-detention-human-rights/Thu, 04 Sep 2025 20:30:30 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/468-robert-amsterdam-samvel-karapetyan-lawfare-armenia-political-prisoner-church-detention-human-rights/<p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with international human rights lawyer Robert Amsterdam about the arrest and pre-trial detention of Armenian businessman and Church benefactor Samvel Karapetyan. We explore how Armenia’s courts are being used in a campaign of lawfare targeting political opponents and the Armenian Apostolic Church, following growing tensions between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government and religious leaders. Amsterdam discusses the legal inconsistencies, the weaponization of pre-trial detention, and how these actions violate international norms. We also examine the broader consequences for Armenia’s legal system, religious freedom, and international reputation.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/468-robert-amsterdam-samvel-karapetyan-lawfare-armenia-political-prisoner-church-detention-human-rights/Thu, 04 Sep 2025 20:30:30 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/468-robert-amsterdam-samvel-karapetyan-lawfare-armenia-political-prisoner-church-detention-human-rights/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with international human rights lawyer Robert Amsterdam about the arrest and pre-trial detention of Armenian businessman and Church benefactor Samvel Karapetyan. We explore how Armenia’s courts are being used in a campaign of lawfare targeting political opponents and the Armenian Apostolic Church, following growing tensions between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government and religious leaders. Amsterdam discusses the legal inconsistencies, the weaponization of pre-trial detention, and how these actions violate international norms. We also examine the broader consequences for Armenia’s legal system, religious freedom, and international reputation.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/467-benyamin-poghosyan-sco-summit-china-armenia-tripp-zangezur-corridor-russia-azerbaijan-uk-relations/Tue, 02 Sep 2025 15:20:32 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/467-benyamin-poghosyan-sco-summit-china-armenia-tripp-zangezur-corridor-russia-azerbaijan-uk-relations/<p>In this Week in Review, we look at Armenia’s role at the SCO summit, where Pashinyan struck a new “strategic partnership” with China while also meeting Putin, raising questions about Yerevan’s shifting alignments. We examine the August 8 Washington documents on TRIPP, where words like “corridor” and “99-year lease” swirl despite Armenia’s denials, and ask what Azerbaijan’s demand for constitutional change really means. We cover rising tensions between Moscow and Baku after Aliyev called Russia an occupier and Zatulin warned against seeing Azerbaijan as a partner. And we discuss the UK’s push to raise relations with Armenia to a strategic level, even as London courts Baku and maintains loopholes in its arms embargo.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/467-benyamin-poghosyan-sco-summit-china-armenia-tripp-zangezur-corridor-russia-azerbaijan-uk-relations/Tue, 02 Sep 2025 15:20:32 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/467-benyamin-poghosyan-sco-summit-china-armenia-tripp-zangezur-corridor-russia-azerbaijan-uk-relations/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review, we look at Armenia’s role at the SCO summit, where Pashinyan struck a new “strategic partnership” with China while also meeting Putin, raising questions about Yerevan’s shifting alignments. We examine the August 8 Washington documents on TRIPP, where words like “corridor” and “99-year lease” swirl despite Armenia’s denials, and ask what Azerbaijan’s demand for constitutional change really means. We cover rising tensions between Moscow and Baku after Aliyev called Russia an occupier and Zatulin warned against seeing Azerbaijan as a partner. And we discuss the UK’s push to raise relations with Armenia to a strategic level, even as London courts Baku and maintains loopholes in its arms embargo.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/466-jeffrey-sachs-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-iran-economy/Fri, 29 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/466-jeffrey-sachs-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-iran-economy/<p>In this episode of <em>Conversations on Groong</em>, renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs joins to discuss the U.S.-brokered “TRIPP” (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity), also known as the Zangezur Corridor. The discussion covers the risks of foreign powers imposing corridors through Armenia, the muted response from Moscow, Tehran’s strong opposition, and what this means for regional security. Sachs stresses that Armenia should not look to distant powers like the United States for security or stability, but instead pursue prudent arrangements and economic cooperation with its immediate neighbors—Russia, Iran, Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. He also gives candid advice on Armenia’s economy, its dependence on Russia, and the long-term challenges of EU aspirations.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/466-jeffrey-sachs-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-iran-economy/Fri, 29 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/466-jeffrey-sachs-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-iran-economy/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs joins to discuss the U.S.-brokered “TRIPP” (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity), also known as the Zangezur Corridor. The discussion covers the risks of foreign powers imposing corridors through Armenia, the muted response from Moscow, Tehran’s strong opposition, and what this means for regional security. Sachs stresses that Armenia should not look to distant powers like the United States for security or stability, but instead pursue prudent arrangements and economic cooperation with its immediate neighbors—Russia, Iran, Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. He also gives candid advice on Armenia’s economy, its dependence on Russia, and the long-term challenges of EU aspirations.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20250829-transcript-466-jeffrey-sachs-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-iran-economy/Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20250829-transcript-466-jeffrey-sachs-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-iran-economy/<p>In this episode of <em>Conversations on Groong</em>, renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs joins to discuss the U.S.-brokered “TRIPP” (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity), also known as the Zangezur Corridor. The discussion covers the risks of foreign powers imposing corridors through Armenia, the muted response from Moscow, Tehran’s strong opposition, and what this means for regional security. Sachs stresses that Armenia should not look to distant powers like the United States for security or stability, but instead pursue prudent arrangements and economic cooperation with its immediate neighbors—Russia, Iran, Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. He also gives candid advice on Armenia’s economy, its dependence on Russia, and the long-term challenges of EU aspirations.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/465-armen-ashotyan-political-prisoner-epp-diaspora-armenian-church-capitulation-artsakh/Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:29:42 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/465-armen-ashotyan-political-prisoner-epp-diaspora-armenian-church-capitulation-artsakh/<p>In this episode of <em>Conversations on Groong</em>, we speak with <strong>Armen Ashotyan</strong>, vice president of the Republican Party of Armenia, in his first English-language interview since being released from house arrest. Ashotyan reflects on his 25 months of detention as Armenia’s most prominent political prisoner, the broader pattern of repression under Pashinyan, the muted response of Western diplomats, the fragmented stance of the diaspora, and the ongoing erosion of Armenian statehood through the so-called “peace” process with Azerbaijan.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/465-armen-ashotyan-political-prisoner-epp-diaspora-armenian-church-capitulation-artsakh/Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:29:42 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/465-armen-ashotyan-political-prisoner-epp-diaspora-armenian-church-capitulation-artsakh/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Armen Ashotyan, vice president of the Republican Party of Armenia, in his first English-language interview since being released from house arrest. Ashotyan reflects on his 25 months of detention as Armenia’s most prominent political prisoner, the broader pattern of repression under Pashinyan, the muted response of Western diplomats, the fragmented stance of the diaspora, and the ongoing erosion of Armenian statehood through the so-called “peace” process with Azerbaijan.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/464-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-state-sovereignty-tripp-trump-corridor-azerbaijan-turkey-russia-iran-pezeshkian-overchuk-yerevan/Tue, 26 Aug 2025 02:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/464-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-state-sovereignty-tripp-trump-corridor-azerbaijan-turkey-russia-iran-pezeshkian-overchuk-yerevan/<p>This Week in Review features Tevan Poghosyan, who joins us to discuss the 35th anniversary of Armenia’s Declaration of State Sovereignty, the secrecy and dangers surrounding the Washington-brokered TRIPP (Trump Route) agreements, Iran’s mixed response to the corridor following President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Yerevan, and Russia’s quiet but firm reminders of its enduring leverage in Armenia. We also touch on the Gaza genocide, the importance of unity for Armenians, and developments in Armenian politics including Narek Karapetyan’s videos, Jirayr Libaridian’s analysis, Russia’s response to pro-Azeri voices, Pashinyan’s defense budget stance, and more in the Kitchen Sink.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/464-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-state-sovereignty-tripp-trump-corridor-azerbaijan-turkey-russia-iran-pezeshkian-overchuk-yerevan/Tue, 26 Aug 2025 02:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/464-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-state-sovereignty-tripp-trump-corridor-azerbaijan-turkey-russia-iran-pezeshkian-overchuk-yerevan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Week in Review features Tevan Poghosyan, who joins us to discuss the 35th anniversary of Armenia’s Declaration of State Sovereignty, the secrecy and dangers surrounding the Washington-brokered TRIPP (Trump Route) agreements, Iran’s mixed response to the corridor following President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Yerevan, and Russia’s quiet but firm reminders of its enduring leverage in Armenia. We also touch on the Gaza genocide, the importance of unity for Armenians, and developments in Armenian politics including Narek Karapetyan’s videos, Jirayr Libaridian’s analysis, Russia’s response to pro-Azeri voices, Pashinyan’s defense budget stance, and more in the Kitchen Sink.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/463-sergei-melkonian-trump-route-tripp-iran-russia-azerbaijan-ukraine-war-armenia-our-way-mer-dzevov-opposition-samvel-karapetyan/Tue, 19 Aug 2025 02:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/463-sergei-melkonian-trump-route-tripp-iran-russia-azerbaijan-ukraine-war-armenia-our-way-mer-dzevov-opposition-samvel-karapetyan/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>This Week in Review covers the Trump-Putin Alaska summit, the rebranded Trump Route (TRIPP) through Syunik, shifting Russian-Azerbaijani relations, Moscow’s recalibration with Iran after the U.S.-Israeli war, and the emergence of a new Armenian opposition movement called Our Way. <strong>Dr. Sergei Melkonian</strong> analyzes the stakes for Armenia, Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan, plus domestic political shifts in Yerevan.</p> <h1 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h1> <ul> <li>Trump-Putin Alaska summit and implications for Ukraine and Europe</li> <li>Trump Corridor politics: Armenia, Iran, Russia, and the TRIPP project</li> <li>Russian-Azerbaijani tensions over SOCAR strikes and regional power shifts</li> <li>Russian-Iranian relations after the 12-day U.S.-Israeli war on Iran</li> <li>Armenia’s emerging opposition movement Our Way led by Samvel Karapetyan</li> </ul> <h1 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h1> <ul> <li>What was achieved at the Alaska summit, and is a negotiated end to the Ukraine war possible?</li> <li>Were Iran and Russia caught off guard by the Washington accords on the Trump Route?</li> <li>Who speaks for Iran when we interpret its divided responses?</li> <li>What are Russia’s interests and red lines in the corridor issue, and does the Trump Route clash with Point 9 of the 2020 ceasefire?</li> <li>Why are Russian-Azerbaijani relations deteriorating, and is TRIPP a cause or a symptom?</li> <li>How is Russia reshaping its diplomacy with Iran after the war?</li> <li>Does the emergence of Our Way mark a real reshaping of Armenia’s political landscape?</li> </ul> <h1 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h1> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33503738.html">RFE/RL: New opposition “Our Way” led by Samvel Karapetyan</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-striking-azerbaijans-socar-oil-facilities-ukraine-purpose-kyiv-says-2025-08-18/">Reuters: Russia strikes SOCAR-linked assets in Ukraine</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33497154.html">RFE/RL: Govt to sell 20% stake in Viva Armenia (MTS)</a></li> <li><a href="https://hetq.am/hy/article/176141">Hetq: Avinyan family villa at Lake Sevan investigation</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33496237.html">RFE/RL: Bagrat Srbazan recording released</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.occrp.org/en/news/german-ex-mp-convicted-in-azerbaijan-bribery-scandal">OCCRP: German ex-MP convicted in Azerbaijan bribery case</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="thoughts-from-the-participants">Thoughts from the Participants</h1> <ul> <li><strong>Sergei Melkonian</strong>: Azerbaijan is not interested in peace while the Western Azerbaijan agenda, prisoners, and the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh remain unaddressed.</li> <li><strong>Hovik Manucharyan</strong>: Constitutional preconditions placed on Armenia make a real peace deal unattainable.</li> </ul> <h1 id="kitchen-sink">Kitchen Sink</h1> <ul> <li>Tigran Avinyan’s father’s luxury villa at Lake Sevan (Shorzha)</li> <li>Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan case and release of the unedited audio</li> <li>Azerbaijani Laundromat update: German ex-MP’s suspended sentence</li> <li>Government to sell its 20% stake in Viva Armenia (MTS)</li> <li>Amulsar and molybdenum combine revived, with shares transferred to the state</li> <li>Pashinyan found in breach of ethics for indecent language</li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/463-sergei-melkonian-trump-route-tripp-iran-russia-azerbaijan-ukraine-war-armenia-our-way-mer-dzevov-opposition-samvel-karapetyan/Tue, 19 Aug 2025 02:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/463-sergei-melkonian-trump-route-tripp-iran-russia-azerbaijan-ukraine-war-armenia-our-way-mer-dzevov-opposition-samvel-karapetyan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Week in Review covers the Trump-Putin Alaska summit, the rebranded Trump Route (TRIPP) through Syunik, shifting Russian-Azerbaijani relations, Moscow’s recalibration with Iran after the U.S.-Israeli war, and the emergence of a new Armenian opposition movement called Our Way. Dr. Sergei Melkonian analyzes the stakes for Armenia, Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan, plus domestic political shifts in Yerevan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/463/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/462-christine-arakelian-pashinyan-church-india-armenia-ngos-diaspora-trump-corridor/Sun, 17 Aug 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/462-christine-arakelian-pashinyan-church-india-armenia-ngos-diaspora-trump-corridor/<p>In this episode, Christine Arakelian joins us for a deep dive into Armenia’s political crossroads. We discuss Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s confrontation with the Armenian Apostolic Church, the arrests of clergy and business leaders, and the chilling effect on society. We explore India-Armenia relations and why opportunities with New Delhi remain untapped, the heavy influence of Western-funded NGOs and the role of new groups like <em>Save Armenia: A Judeo-Christian Alliance</em>, as well as the government’s growing estrangement from the Armenian diaspora. Finally, we place these developments in the context of U.S. politics, Trump’s foreign policy, and the strategic game around the Trump Corridor.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/462-christine-arakelian-pashinyan-church-india-armenia-ngos-diaspora-trump-corridor/Sun, 17 Aug 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/462-christine-arakelian-pashinyan-church-india-armenia-ngos-diaspora-trump-corridor/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode, Christine Arakelian joins us for a deep dive into Armenia’s political crossroads. We discuss Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s confrontation with the Armenian Apostolic Church, the arrests of clergy and business leaders, and the chilling effect on society. We explore India-Armenia relations and why opportunities with New Delhi remain untapped, the heavy influence of Western-funded NGOs and the role of new groups like Save Armenia: A Judeo-Christian Alliance, as well as the government’s growing estrangement from the Armenian diaspora. Finally, we place these developments in the context of U.S. politics, Trump’s foreign policy, and the strategic game around the Trump Corridor.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/461-hamid-bahrami-iran-armenia-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-us-israel-azerbaijan-containment-strategy/Sat, 16 Aug 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/461-hamid-bahrami-iran-armenia-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-us-israel-azerbaijan-containment-strategy/<p>In this episode, analyst <strong>Hamid Bahrami</strong> joins us to discuss Iran’s recalibrating role in the South Caucasus following the White House meeting between Trump, Pashinyan, and Aliyev that unveiled the TRIPP corridor, or “Trump Route.” We explore how the project threatens to bypass and encircle Iran, its possible link to a wider US-Israeli strategy, and the risks of a new regional war. The discussion also covers Iran’s past passivity in the Caucasus, the wake-up call of the 44-day war, and Tehran’s options for deeper cooperation with Russia, China, and Armenia as it faces a shifting geopolitical order.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/461-hamid-bahrami-iran-armenia-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-us-israel-azerbaijan-containment-strategy/Sat, 16 Aug 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/461-hamid-bahrami-iran-armenia-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-us-israel-azerbaijan-containment-strategy/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode, analyst Hamid Bahrami joins us to discuss Iran’s recalibrating role in the South Caucasus following the White House meeting between Trump, Pashinyan, and Aliyev that unveiled the TRIPP corridor, or “Trump Route.” We explore how the project threatens to bypass and encircle Iran, its possible link to a wider US-Israeli strategy, and the risks of a new regional war. The discussion also covers Iran’s past passivity in the Caucasus, the wake-up call of the 44-day war, and Tehran’s options for deeper cooperation with Russia, China, and Armenia as it faces a shifting geopolitical order.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/460-douglas-macgregor-christine-arakelian-usa-geopolitics-armenia-south-caucasus-trump-route-pashinyan-aliyev-zangezur-corridor-tripp-iran-russia-gaza-israel/Tue, 12 Aug 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/460-douglas-macgregor-christine-arakelian-usa-geopolitics-armenia-south-caucasus-trump-route-pashinyan-aliyev-zangezur-corridor-tripp-iran-russia-gaza-israel/<p><strong>Summary</strong><br> In this episode, Christine Arakelian and Col. Douglas MacGregor join the hosts to analyze U.S. foreign policy moves from Gaza to the South Caucasus. They discuss Israel’s ongoing campaign in Gaza, the recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, and the likely resumption of hostilities. The conversation examines the Trump–Pashinyan–Aliyev White House summit, the strategic “Trump Corridor” across Armenia, and its impact on Russia, Iran, and India. The guests explore India–Armenia relations, U.S. economic vulnerabilities, and the challenges of sustaining a long-term American role in the region. They also assess the risks and potential outcomes of the upcoming Trump–Putin summit in Alaska, and the Armenian government’s handling of sovereignty, diaspora relations, and political prisoners.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/460-douglas-macgregor-christine-arakelian-usa-geopolitics-armenia-south-caucasus-trump-route-pashinyan-aliyev-zangezur-corridor-tripp-iran-russia-gaza-israel/Tue, 12 Aug 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/460-douglas-macgregor-christine-arakelian-usa-geopolitics-armenia-south-caucasus-trump-route-pashinyan-aliyev-zangezur-corridor-tripp-iran-russia-gaza-israel/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Summary In this episode, Christine Arakelian and Col. Douglas MacGregor join the hosts to analyze U.S. foreign policy moves from Gaza to the South Caucasus. They discuss Israel’s ongoing campaign in Gaza, the recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, and the likely resumption of hostilities. The conversation examines the Trump–Pashinyan–Aliyev White House summit, the strategic “Trump Corridor” across Armenia, and its impact on Russia, Iran, and India. The guests explore India–Armenia relations, U.S. economic vulnerabilities, and the challenges of sustaining a long-term American role in the region. They also assess the risks and potential outcomes of the upcoming Trump–Putin summit in Alaska, and the Armenian government’s handling of sovereignty, diaspora relations, and political prisoners.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/459-dziunik-aghajanian-trump-aliyev-pashinyan-white-house-meeting-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-section-907-iran-russia-armenia-azerbaijan/Tue, 12 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/459-dziunik-aghajanian-trump-aliyev-pashinyan-white-house-meeting-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-section-907-iran-russia-armenia-azerbaijan/<h1 id="summary"><strong>Summary</strong></h1> <p>This Week in Review examines the August 8, 2025 White House meeting between Donald Trump, Nikol Pashinyan, and Ilham Aliyev. Ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian joins to discuss the geopolitical fallout from the initialed but yet-unsigned “peace agreement,” the 99-year Trump Corridor lease through Armenia, and the scrapping of Section 907. The conversation covers the agreement’s omissions, Iran’s mixed but wary reaction, Russia’s cautious stance, and the broader strategic implications for Armenia’s sovereignty and security.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/459-dziunik-aghajanian-trump-aliyev-pashinyan-white-house-meeting-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-section-907-iran-russia-armenia-azerbaijan/Tue, 12 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/459-dziunik-aghajanian-trump-aliyev-pashinyan-white-house-meeting-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-section-907-iran-russia-armenia-azerbaijan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Trump, Aliyev, Pashinyan Meeting. Iranian Reaction. Russian Reaction.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/459/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20250812-transcript-460-douglas-macgregor-christine-arakelian-usa-geopolitics-armenia-south-caucasus-trump-route-pashinyan-aliyev-zangezur-corridor-tripp-iran-russia-gaza-israel/Tue, 12 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20250812-transcript-460-douglas-macgregor-christine-arakelian-usa-geopolitics-armenia-south-caucasus-trump-route-pashinyan-aliyev-zangezur-corridor-tripp-iran-russia-gaza-israel/<p><strong>Summary</strong><br> In this episode, Christine Arakelian and Col. Douglas MacGregor join the hosts to analyze U.S. foreign policy moves from Gaza to the South Caucasus. They discuss Israel’s ongoing campaign in Gaza, the recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, and the likely resumption of hostilities. The conversation examines the Trump–Pashinyan–Aliyev White House summit, the strategic “Trump Corridor” across Armenia, and its impact on Russia, Iran, and India. The guests explore India–Armenia relations, U.S. economic vulnerabilities, and the challenges of sustaining a long-term American role in the region. They also assess the risks and potential outcomes of the upcoming Trump–Putin summit in Alaska, and the Armenian government’s handling of sovereignty, diaspora relations, and political prisoners.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/458-stanislav-krapivnik-ukraine-war-trump-putin-summit-south-caucasus-armenia-russia-zangezur-corridor-aliyev-pashinyan/Sun, 10 Aug 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/458-stanislav-krapivnik-ukraine-war-trump-putin-summit-south-caucasus-armenia-russia-zangezur-corridor-aliyev-pashinyan/<p>In this episode, former U.S. Army officer and military-political analyst Stanislav Krapivnik discusses the geopolitical fallout from the Trump-Pashinyan-Aliyev summit in Washington, which saw the announcement of a “peace” framework, the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group, U.S. plans for a 99-year “Trump Corridor” across Armenia, and the dropping of Section 907 to allow arms sales to Azerbaijan. He examines Russia’s heavy focus on the Ukraine war at the expense of the South Caucasus, the loss of Russian leverage over Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the growing role of Turkey. Krapivnik warns of U.S. and British designs to destabilize the region, outlines possible Russian and Iranian responses, and explores the strategic importance of Georgia, the Abkhazia railway, and regional connectivity. The conversation also delves into Armenia’s domestic political challenges, the influence of Western NGOs, and the erosion of core national institutions.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/458-stanislav-krapivnik-ukraine-war-trump-putin-summit-south-caucasus-armenia-russia-zangezur-corridor-aliyev-pashinyan/Sun, 10 Aug 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/458-stanislav-krapivnik-ukraine-war-trump-putin-summit-south-caucasus-armenia-russia-zangezur-corridor-aliyev-pashinyan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode, former U.S. Army officer and military-political analyst Stanislav Krapivnik discusses the geopolitical fallout from the Trump-Pashinyan-Aliyev summit in Washington, which saw the announcement of a “peace” framework, the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group, U.S. plans for a 99-year “Trump Corridor” across Armenia, and the dropping of Section 907 to allow arms sales to Azerbaijan. He examines Russia’s heavy focus on the Ukraine war at the expense of the South Caucasus, the loss of Russian leverage over Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the growing role of Turkey. Krapivnik warns of U.S. and British designs to destabilize the region, outlines possible Russian and Iranian responses, and explores the strategic importance of Georgia, the Abkhazia railway, and regional connectivity. The conversation also delves into Armenia’s domestic political challenges, the influence of Western NGOs, and the erosion of core national institutions.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20250810-transcript-458-stanislav-krapivnik-ukraine-war-trump-putin-summit-south-caucasus-armenia-russia-zangezur-corridor-aliyev-pashinyan/Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20250810-transcript-458-stanislav-krapivnik-ukraine-war-trump-putin-summit-south-caucasus-armenia-russia-zangezur-corridor-aliyev-pashinyan/<p>In this episode, former U.S. Army officer and military-political analyst Stanislav Krapivnik discusses the geopolitical fallout from the Trump-Pashinyan-Aliyev summit in Washington, which saw the announcement of a “peace” framework, the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group, U.S. plans for a 99-year “Trump Corridor” across Armenia, and the dropping of Section 907 to allow arms sales to Azerbaijan. He examines Russia’s heavy focus on the Ukraine war at the expense of the South Caucasus, the loss of Russian leverage over Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the growing role of Turkey. Krapivnik warns of U.S. and British designs to destabilize the region, outlines possible Russian and Iranian responses, and explores the strategic importance of Georgia, the Abkhazia railway, and regional connectivity. The conversation also delves into Armenia’s domestic political challenges, the influence of Western NGOs, and the erosion of core national institutions.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/457-benyamin-poghosyan-trump-ultimatum-on-ukraine-sanctions-russia-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-kitchen-sink/Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/457-benyamin-poghosyan-trump-ultimatum-on-ukraine-sanctions-russia-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-kitchen-sink/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review episode, we unpack the latest geopolitical maneuvers affecting Armenia—from the proposed Zangezur Corridor lease floated by the U.S., to the Trump ultimatum for a Ukraine ceasefire. We also examine the fallout from Azerbaijan’s decision to revoke ICRC access to Armenian POWs, and discuss the rising number of political prisoners inside Armenia itself. With regional tensions rising and domestic pressure mounting, is Armenia being squeezed from all sides?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/457-benyamin-poghosyan-trump-ultimatum-on-ukraine-sanctions-russia-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-kitchen-sink/Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/457-benyamin-poghosyan-trump-ultimatum-on-ukraine-sanctions-russia-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-kitchen-sink/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review episode, we unpack the latest geopolitical maneuvers affecting Armenia—from the proposed Zangezur Corridor lease floated by the U.S., to the Trump ultimatum for a Ukraine ceasefire. We also examine the fallout from Azerbaijan’s decision to revoke ICRC access to Armenian POWs, and discuss the rising number of political prisoners inside Armenia itself. With regional tensions rising and domestic pressure mounting, is Armenia being squeezed from all sides?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/456-benyamin-poghosyan-iri-poll-armenia-trust-crisis-armenian-church-pan-turkism-zangezur-corridor-aliyev-iran-border-syunik/Tue, 29 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/456-benyamin-poghosyan-iri-poll-armenia-trust-crisis-armenian-church-pan-turkism-zangezur-corridor-aliyev-iran-border-syunik/<p>This Week in Review episode covers growing public disillusionment in Armenia, as new polling shows historic lows in trust toward political institutions while support for the Armenian Church and Armed Forces holds strong. We examine Pashinyan’s shifting rhetoric on the so-called “Zangezur Corridor,” his ongoing confrontation with the Church, and the geopolitical fallout from recent regional events—including the Iran-Israel conflict and the cooling of Russia-Azerbaijan ties. Dr. <strong>Benyamin Poghosyan</strong> joins to discuss whether Armenia is facing a crisis of legitimacy and a turning point in its strategic posture.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/456-benyamin-poghosyan-iri-poll-armenia-trust-crisis-armenian-church-pan-turkism-zangezur-corridor-aliyev-iran-border-syunik/Tue, 29 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/456-benyamin-poghosyan-iri-poll-armenia-trust-crisis-armenian-church-pan-turkism-zangezur-corridor-aliyev-iran-border-syunik/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Week in Review episode covers growing public disillusionment in Armenia, as new polling shows historic lows in trust toward political institutions while support for the Armenian Church and Armed Forces holds strong. We examine Pashinyan’s shifting rhetoric on the so-called “Zangezur Corridor,” his ongoing confrontation with the Church, and the geopolitical fallout from recent regional events—including the Iran-Israel conflict and the cooling of Russia-Azerbaijan ties. Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan joins to discuss whether Armenia is facing a crisis of legitimacy and a turning point in its strategic posture.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/454-archil-sikharulidze-eu-georgia-sanctions-swift-church-iran-china-elections-armenia/Thu, 24 Jul 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/454-archil-sikharulidze-eu-georgia-sanctions-swift-church-iran-china-elections-armenia/<p>In this episode of <strong>Conversations on Groong</strong>, we speak with Dr. Archil Sikharulidze about the deepening rift between Georgia and the European Union following the EU Parliament’s July 2025 resolution threatening sanctions, SWIFT disconnection, and political interference. We explore Georgia’s strategic importance in the South Caucasus, its balancing act between East and West, the growing pressure on traditional religious institutions, and the stakes surrounding Georgia’s upcoming municipal elections.**</p> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li>The European Parliament’s July 2025 resolution on Georgia and its coercive tone</li> <li>The EU’s geopolitical strategy in the South Caucasus and its pressures on Georgia</li> <li>Trade and diplomacy: Georgia’s growing ties with Iran and China</li> <li>The regional pattern of attacks on traditional Churches in Georgia and Armenia</li> <li>Georgia’s upcoming municipal elections and the EU’s attempts to shape internal political outcomes</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>What is the EU’s strategy in the South Caucasus, and how does Georgia fit in it?</li> <li>Is the EU pressuring Georgia out of concern for democracy—or to secure geopolitical leverage?</li> <li>Why does the EU oppose Georgia’s economic ties with Iran and China?</li> <li>What does the Anaklia port project symbolize in the context of EU–Georgia relations?</li> <li>Why is the Georgian Orthodox Church—and the Armenian Apostolic Church—under attack?</li> <li>Does joining the EU require giving up national identity and traditional institutions?</li> <li>What’s at stake in the 2025 municipal elections, and how are they being positioned as a referendum on Georgia’s legitimacy?</li> </ul> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://archilsikharulidze.substack.com/p/the-european-parliament-calls-to?triedRedirect=true">The European Parliament Calls to Punish Georgia — Archil Sikharulidze on Substack</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-10-2025-0110_EN.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawLaDUNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2c2Q1aFVqSXVTTVk4QUk4AR6Jee7sjtfIttfai5htoqtZehnUtWzZQEgtOZYF_AOmbtFx2mNVku-GPedFrg_aem_DB2uivPam4ZTCwn8fd90_A">EU Parliament Resolution A-10-2025-0110 on Georgia (PDF)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sikhafoundation.ge/index.php/2025/07/17/transcript-the-church-under-fire-why-post-soviet-governments-pressure-religion/">Transcript: “The Church Under Fire” – Sikha Foundation</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="don"><strong>Don&rsquo;t forget to support us:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/454-archil-sikharulidze-eu-georgia-sanctions-swift-church-iran-china-elections-armenia/Thu, 24 Jul 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/454-archil-sikharulidze-eu-georgia-sanctions-swift-church-iran-china-elections-armenia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Archil Sikharulidze about the deepening rift between Georgia and the European Union following the EU Parliament’s July 2025 resolution threatening sanctions, SWIFT disconnection, and political interference. We explore Georgia’s strategic importance in the South Caucasus, its balancing act between East and West, the growing pressure on traditional religious institutions, and the stakes surrounding Georgia’s upcoming municipal elections.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/453-hovik-asbed-pashinyan-aliyev-zangezur-corridor-political-arrests-church-crackdown/Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/453-hovik-asbed-pashinyan-aliyev-zangezur-corridor-political-arrests-church-crackdown/<p>In this episode, Hovik and Asbed discuss the quiet but consequential meeting between Nikol Pashinyan and Ilham Aliyev in Abu Dhabi, and the parallel crackdown unfolding in Armenia against opposition figures, church leaders, and academics. With no official deal signed, the conversation focuses on the deeper implications of &ldquo;outsourcing&rdquo; corridor control and the broader geopolitical realignments under way.</p> <hr> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed"><strong>Main Topics Addressed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>Pashinyan’s meeting with Aliyev in Abu Dhabi</li> <li>Armenia’s offer to outsource control of the corridor to a U.S.-based company</li> <li>The surge in arrests targeting opposition figures and church leaders</li> <li>The case of 18-year-old ARF member Andranik Chamichyan</li> <li>Firing of Bishop Vardan Navasardyan from YSU</li> <li>Karen Igityan denied entry into Armenia despite decades of residence</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>What was achieved in the Pashinyan–Aliyev meeting—and what was conceded?</li> <li>Is Armenia giving up sovereign control of its territory under the label of “outsourcing”?</li> <li>Why is the Armenian government arresting so many opposition figures and clergy?</li> <li>What does the strikeball case say about the use of state power against youth activists?</li> <li>How far will the government go to silence dissent ahead of the 2026 elections?</li> <li>What are the regional consequences of a NATO-linked corridor bordering Iran?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources"><strong>Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</strong></h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/10/draft-deal-to-end-bitter-conflict-agreed-4-months-ago-but-timeline-for-sealing-complex-deal-remains-uncertain">Al Jazeera: Draft peace deal remains unsigned</a></li> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1224526">Armenpress: Armenia open to outsourcing corridor control</a></li> <li><a href="https://arka.am/en/news/politics/court-granted-the-motion-to-arrest-opposition-mp-artur-sargsyan/">Arka: Court approves arrest of MP Artur Sargsyan</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/eph-astvatsabanoutyan-fakoulteti-episkopos-dekann-azatvel-e-ashkhatankits/33471866.html">Azatutyun: YSU theology dean dismissed</a></li> <li><a href="https://x.com/beglaryan_davit/status/1943798167364849829">Davit Beglaryan on political prisoners</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h2> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/453-hovik-asbed-pashinyan-aliyev-zangezur-corridor-political-arrests-church-crackdown/Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/453-hovik-asbed-pashinyan-aliyev-zangezur-corridor-political-arrests-church-crackdown/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode, Hovik and Asbed discuss the quiet but consequential meeting between Nikol Pashinyan and Ilham Aliyev in Abu Dhabi, and the parallel crackdown unfolding in Armenia against opposition figures, church leaders, and academics. With no official deal signed, the conversation focuses on the deeper implications of &ldquo;outsourcing&rdquo; corridor control and the broader geopolitical realignments under way.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/453/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/452-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-syunik-corridor-us-russia-azerbaijan-iran-eu-turkey-constitutional-crisis-church-crackdown-political-prisoners-khachaturov-pows-artsakh-opposition-aliyev-erdogan-geopolitics/Tue, 08 Jul 2025 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/452-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-syunik-corridor-us-russia-azerbaijan-iran-eu-turkey-constitutional-crisis-church-crackdown-political-prisoners-khachaturov-pows-artsakh-opposition-aliyev-erdogan-geopolitics/<h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Constitution Day</strong>: Pashinyan’s rejection of Armenia’s founding document and what it signals</li> <li><strong>Foreign-Controlled Corridor through Syunik</strong>: From rejecting a Russian corridor to considering a U.S.-managed one</li> <li><strong>Kaja Kallas in Yerevan</strong>: What message did the Estonian PM and EU envoy bring to Armenia?</li> <li><strong>Russia-Azerbaijan Breakdown</strong>: Arrests, beatings, media retaliation, and geopolitical friction</li> <li><strong>Church Crackdown</strong>: Samvel Karapetyan’s arrest and surveillance of clergy raise alarm</li> <li><strong>Stripping of Parliamentary Immunity</strong>: Ohanyan and Minasyan face charges over years-old land case</li> <li><strong>Turkey&rsquo;s Latest Insult</strong>: Talaat Pasha’s name proposed for border crossing amid &ldquo;normalization&rdquo;</li> <li><strong>SCO Application Confusion</strong>: Armenia seeks membership in a bloc that includes many CSTO allies, and is incompatible with EU aspirations</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>Has Armenia surrendered the principle of sovereignty by inviting U.S. oversight in Syunik?</li> <li>Why is Erdogan praising Armenia’s “constructive” stance on the Zangezur corridor?</li> <li>What’s behind Russia’s sudden crackdown on Azerbaijani-linked criminal figures—and Baku’s aggressive response?</li> <li>Are the criminal charges against Ohanyan and Minasyan politically timed and selectively applied?</li> <li>What does Turkey’s proposal to name a border crossing after Talaat Pasha say about Armenian-Turkish normalization?</li> <li>Is Armenia’s application to the SCO a realistic foreign policy shift or just more confusion?</li> </ul> <h2 id="thoughts-from-the-participants">Thoughts from the Participants</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Arthur</strong>: Reflected on the <strong>nationalization of Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA)</strong> and the strategic significance of Armenia’s <strong>electrical infrastructure</strong>, including the potential for <strong>AI data centers</strong> and cross-border power export.</li> <li><strong>Hovik</strong>: Criticized <strong>AUA’s handling of student activism</strong>, raising concerns about the university’s values and its role in <strong>suppressing free speech</strong> during recent protests.</li> </ul> <h2 id="the-kitchen-sink">The Kitchen Sink</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Opposition Immunity Stripped</strong>: Ohanyan and Minasyan were charged over a land deal from years ago, even though the same property was previously attributed to Ohanyan’s wife. Meanwhile, <strong>Khachatur Sukiasyan</strong>, a regime-aligned oligarch with a long record of suspicious deals, remains untouched.</li> <li><strong>Talaat Pasha Crossing</strong>: Turkey’s proposal to rename a border crossing after the chief architect of the Armenian Genocide is a humiliating blow amid Pashinyan’s push for normalization.</li> <li><strong>Artsakh Parliament in Exile</strong>: With Davit Ishkhanyan detained in Baku, <strong>Ashot Danielyan</strong> was named Speaker and acting president by the Artsakh National Assembly in exile.</li> <li><strong>SCO Membership Bid</strong>: Armenia’s announcement that it is applying to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, despite having burned bridges with CSTO members, adds another layer of strategic confusion.</li> </ul> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://news.am/eng/news/823611.html">Erdogan’s “Zangezur corridor” comments</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.dw.com/en/russia-is-moscow-losing-azerbaijan-as-an-ally/a-73147334">Russia-Azerbaijan fallout</a></li> <li><a href="https://asbarez.com/lawmakers-want-to-rename-turkish-border-crossing-to-after-talaat-pasha/">Turkish MPs propose Talaat Pasha crossing</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33463229.html">SCO confusion and application</a></li> <li><a href="https://carnegieendowment.org/russia-eurasia/politika/2025/06/armenia-turkiye-rapprochement?lang=en">Carnegie Endowment on Armenia-Turkey ties</a></li> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1223776">Kaja Kallas visits Yerevan</a></li> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1223719">Russian-Azeri mafia arrest report</a></li> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1224254">Seyran Ohanyan and Artsvik Minasyan charges</a></li> <li><a href="https://hraparak.am/post/51da9c2a2c0ce381955b34054045e883">Hraparak report on immunity vote</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aravot.am/2025/06/13/1493591/">Ohanyan case timeline in Aravot</a></li> <li><a href="https://hetq.am/hy/article/139330">Khachatur Sukiasyan controversies</a></li> <li><a href="https://hetq.am/en/article/167698">Bodyguard livestock farm</a></li> <li><a href="https://news.am/arm/news/695109.html">Illegal construction by Sukiasyan’s son</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/452-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-syunik-corridor-us-russia-azerbaijan-iran-eu-turkey-constitutional-crisis-church-crackdown-political-prisoners-khachaturov-pows-artsakh-opposition-aliyev-erdogan-geopolitics/Tue, 08 Jul 2025 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/452-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-syunik-corridor-us-russia-azerbaijan-iran-eu-turkey-constitutional-crisis-church-crackdown-political-prisoners-khachaturov-pows-artsakh-opposition-aliyev-erdogan-geopolitics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Constitution Day. Western Controlled Syunik? What was Kallas Doing in Yerevan? Russian-Azerbaijani Relations. Coup d’Etat? Or Coup d’Église? The Kitchen Sink.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/452/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/451-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-azerbaijan-russia-armenia-relations-persecution-of-the-church-eu-macron-kallas-in-yerevan-oic-istanbul-declaration/Tue, 01 Jul 2025 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/451-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-azerbaijan-russia-armenia-relations-persecution-of-the-church-eu-macron-kallas-in-yerevan-oic-istanbul-declaration/<h2 id="-summary">🎙️ Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review, former ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian joins the show to unpack a week of escalating tensions across Armenia’s borders and within. The discussion covers the aftermath of Israel’s war on Iran, claims that Azerbaijan facilitated Israeli strikes, and a sudden fallout between Baku and Moscow after raids and retaliatory actions. Domestically, the Pashinyan government’s crackdown on the Armenian Church deepens, even as Emmanuel Macron offers public support. The episode also examines Kaja Kallas&rsquo; visit to Armenia and new EU-Armenia defense consultations, as well as Iran’s support for the OIC’s pro-Azerbaijani Istanbul Declaration.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/451-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-azerbaijan-russia-armenia-relations-persecution-of-the-church-eu-macron-kallas-in-yerevan-oic-istanbul-declaration/Tue, 01 Jul 2025 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/451-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-azerbaijan-russia-armenia-relations-persecution-of-the-church-eu-macron-kallas-in-yerevan-oic-istanbul-declaration/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Iran War. Iran-Azerbaijan Relations. Russian-Azerbaijani Tensions. Russian-Armenian Relations. Persecution of The Church Continues. Kaja Kallas in Armenia. OIC Declaration.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/451/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/449-sergei-melkonian-israel-iran-crackdown-on-armenian-opposition-pashinyan-in-istanbul/Thu, 26 Jun 2025 18:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/449-sergei-melkonian-israel-iran-crackdown-on-armenian-opposition-pashinyan-in-istanbul/<h2 id="-main-topics-addressed">🎙️ Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li>Israel and the U.S. launch a 12-day war on Iran, triggering global and regional fallout.</li> <li>Armenia’s geopolitical silence and exposure to refugee flows and instability.</li> <li>Pashinyan’s cultural war against the Church, with mounting verbal attacks.</li> <li>Pashinyan’s June 13 visit to Istanbul and quiet meeting with Erdogan and Aliyev.</li> <li>OIC’s “Istanbul Declaration” includes sharp anti-Armenian language.</li> <li>Turkish-Azeri military drills in Nakhichevan amid regional war.</li> </ul> <h2 id="-key-questions-discussed">❓ Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>Is the Iran ceasefire stable, or just a pause before more covert action?</li> <li>How exposed is Armenia to fallout from the Iran-Israel conflict?</li> <li>Why does public support for Netanyahu persist despite mounting costs?</li> <li>Is Pashinyan using internal cultural fights to distract from real crises?</li> <li>What does Karapetyan’s arrest reveal about the state of dissent?</li> <li>Why has Armenia gone through six NSS chiefs in six years?</li> <li>Is Pashinyan replacing Russian-trained officials with NATO-aligned ones?</li> <li>How credible are the terrorism claims against Bagrat Srbazan?</li> <li>What influence did the Istanbul meeting have on the OIC declaration?</li> <li>Why is Anna Hakobyan’s program budget considered classified?</li> </ul> <h2 id="personal-thoughts-from-the-participants">Personal Thoughts from the Participants</h2> <ul> <li>Hovik: Shout out to Brian Berletic for excellent geopolitical coverage</li> <li>Sergei: Israel-Iran war was an important test for Armenia. Armenia must be ready, because it will come around.</li> </ul> <h2 id="the-kitchen-sink">The Kitchen Sink</h2> <ul> <li>Crackdown on opposition figures tied to the ARF and the Srbazan Movement.</li> <li>Arrest of billionaire Samvel Karapetyan after defending the Armenian Church</li> <li>Gunfire Continues At Armenian Border Towns</li> <li>Dismissal of NSS chief Armen Abazyan amid rising pressure on security institutions.</li> <li>Lawsuit filed by Armine Fanyan accusing Pashinyan of inciting hatred.</li> <li>Anna Hakobyan’s “Education is Trendy” campaign shielded as a state secret.</li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/449-sergei-melkonian-israel-iran-crackdown-on-armenian-opposition-pashinyan-in-istanbul/Thu, 26 Jun 2025 18:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/449-sergei-melkonian-israel-iran-crackdown-on-armenian-opposition-pashinyan-in-istanbul/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Israel and Iran. Crackdown on the Opposition. Pashinyan in Istanbul. The Kitchen Sink.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/449/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/448-arman-grigoryan-israel-iran-war-regime-change-nuclear-weapons-armenia-russia-china-geopolitics/Mon, 23 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/448-arman-grigoryan-israel-iran-war-regime-change-nuclear-weapons-armenia-russia-china-geopolitics/<p>In this conversation, we speak with Dr. Arman Grigoryan about the rapidly escalating war between Israel, the United States, and Iran. We explore the strategic goals behind the conflict, the risks of nuclear escalation, and whether regime change or the partitioning of Iran is a realistic objective—or a dangerous delusion. We also examine how Russia, China, and Europe are responding, and why Iran’s survival or collapse could reshape Armenia’s geopolitical position. Finally, we discuss how Armenia might navigate the fallout of a regional war it cannot afford to ignore.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/448-arman-grigoryan-israel-iran-war-regime-change-nuclear-weapons-armenia-russia-china-geopolitics/Mon, 23 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/448-arman-grigoryan-israel-iran-war-regime-change-nuclear-weapons-armenia-russia-china-geopolitics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this conversation, we speak with Dr. Arman Grigoryan about the rapidly escalating war between Israel, the United States, and Iran. We explore the strategic goals behind the conflict, the risks of nuclear escalation, and whether regime change or the partitioning of Iran is a realistic objective—or a dangerous delusion. We also examine how Russia, China, and Europe are responding, and why Iran’s survival or collapse could reshape Armenia’s geopolitical position. Finally, we discuss how Armenia might navigate the fallout of a regional war it cannot afford to ignore.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/447-fyodor-lukyanov-israel-iran-attack-operation-rising-lion-us-trump-nuclear-talks-russia-partnership-armenia-syunik-zangezur-corridor-azerbaijan-ukraine-operation-spiderweb-counter-terror-campaign/Mon, 16 Jun 2025 22:28:56 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/447-fyodor-lukyanov-israel-iran-attack-operation-rising-lion-us-trump-nuclear-talks-russia-partnership-armenia-syunik-zangezur-corridor-azerbaijan-ukraine-operation-spiderweb-counter-terror-campaign/<p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Fyodor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of Russia in Global Affairs, to analyze the geopolitical fallout from Israel’s surprise military campaign against Iran, known as Operation Rising Lion. We explore how the attacks may sabotage U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, shift Russia’s strategic calculus, and destabilize the South Caucasus—particularly Armenia’s Syunik province. We also examine the implications for Russia-Iran relations, the Zangezur corridor, and Azerbaijan’s military posture. Finally, we discuss Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb, recent Russian rhetoric labeling Ukraine a terrorist state, and whether Moscow is preparing to escalate its war effort.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/447-fyodor-lukyanov-israel-iran-attack-operation-rising-lion-us-trump-nuclear-talks-russia-partnership-armenia-syunik-zangezur-corridor-azerbaijan-ukraine-operation-spiderweb-counter-terror-campaign/Mon, 16 Jun 2025 22:28:56 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/447-fyodor-lukyanov-israel-iran-attack-operation-rising-lion-us-trump-nuclear-talks-russia-partnership-armenia-syunik-zangezur-corridor-azerbaijan-ukraine-operation-spiderweb-counter-terror-campaign/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Fyodor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of Russia in Global Affairs, to analyze the geopolitical fallout from Israel’s surprise military campaign against Iran, known as Operation Rising Lion. We explore how the attacks may sabotage U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, shift Russia’s strategic calculus, and destabilize the South Caucasus—particularly Armenia’s Syunik province. We also examine the implications for Russia-Iran relations, the Zangezur corridor, and Azerbaijan’s military posture. Finally, we discuss Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb, recent Russian rhetoric labeling Ukraine a terrorist state, and whether Moscow is preparing to escalate its war effort.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20250616-transcript-447-fyodor-lukyanov-israel-iran-attack-operation-rising-lion-us-trump-nuclear-talks-russia-partnership-armenia-syunik-zangezur-corridor-azerbaijan-ukraine-operation-spiderweb-counter-terror-campaign/Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20250616-transcript-447-fyodor-lukyanov-israel-iran-attack-operation-rising-lion-us-trump-nuclear-talks-russia-partnership-armenia-syunik-zangezur-corridor-azerbaijan-ukraine-operation-spiderweb-counter-terror-campaign/<p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Fyodor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of Russia in Global Affairs, to analyze the geopolitical fallout from Israel’s surprise military campaign against Iran, known as Operation Rising Lion. We explore how the attacks may sabotage U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, shift Russia’s strategic calculus, and destabilize the South Caucasus—particularly Armenia’s Syunik province. We also examine the implications for Russia-Iran relations, the Zangezur corridor, and Azerbaijan’s military posture. Finally, we discuss Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb, recent Russian rhetoric labeling Ukraine a terrorist state, and whether Moscow is preparing to escalate its war effort.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/446-rafael-ishkhanyan-armenia-surveillance-law-facial-recognition-biometric-data-privacy-abuse-public-safety-political-targeting-acpr-groong-podcast/Sun, 15 Jun 2025 16:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/446-rafael-ishkhanyan-armenia-surveillance-law-facial-recognition-biometric-data-privacy-abuse-public-safety-political-targeting-acpr-groong-podcast/<p>In this episode of Groong: Spotlight on Silence, we speak with Rafael Ishkhanyan of the Armenian Center for Political Rights about Armenia’s sweeping new surveillance law. Passed quietly in March 2025, the law grants police 24/7 access to camera networks across public institutions and allows for real-time facial recognition, raising deep concerns about privacy, political targeting, and unchecked state power. We explore what the law says, what it leaves out, and why international silence—despite clear risks to civil liberties—has been so striking.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/446-rafael-ishkhanyan-armenia-surveillance-law-facial-recognition-biometric-data-privacy-abuse-public-safety-political-targeting-acpr-groong-podcast/Sun, 15 Jun 2025 16:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/446-rafael-ishkhanyan-armenia-surveillance-law-facial-recognition-biometric-data-privacy-abuse-public-safety-political-targeting-acpr-groong-podcast/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Groong: Spotlight on Silence, we speak with Rafael Ishkhanyan of the Armenian Center for Political Rights about Armenia’s sweeping new surveillance law. Passed quietly in March 2025, the law grants police 24/7 access to camera networks across public institutions and allows for real-time facial recognition, raising deep concerns about privacy, political targeting, and unchecked state power. We explore what the law says, what it leaves out, and why international silence—despite clear risks to civil liberties—has been so striking.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/445-rananjay-anand-india-indians-sour-on-turkey-azerbaijan-turn-to-armenia-robust-partnership/Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:14:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/445-rananjay-anand-india-indians-sour-on-turkey-azerbaijan-turn-to-armenia-robust-partnership/<p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Rananjay Anand, president of the Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO, about the growing potential for a strategic partnership between India and Armenia. As Turkey and Azerbaijan double down on their support for Pakistan—most recently during Operation Sindoor—Indian public sentiment is shifting. Weddings, conferences, and corporate events once destined for Istanbul and Baku are being redirected, and Armenia is emerging as a quiet alternative. We explore what’s driving this trend, the challenges posed by limited connectivity, and whether this moment could mark a turning point in India-Armenia relations.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/445-rananjay-anand-india-indians-sour-on-turkey-azerbaijan-turn-to-armenia-robust-partnership/Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:14:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/445-rananjay-anand-india-indians-sour-on-turkey-azerbaijan-turn-to-armenia-robust-partnership/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Rananjay Anand, president of the Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO, about the growing potential for a strategic partnership between India and Armenia. As Turkey and Azerbaijan double down on their support for Pakistan—most recently during Operation Sindoor—Indian public sentiment is shifting. Weddings, conferences, and corporate events once destined for Istanbul and Baku are being redirected, and Armenia is emerging as a quiet alternative. We explore what’s driving this trend, the challenges posed by limited connectivity, and whether this moment could mark a turning point in India-Armenia relations.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/444-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-church-under-attack-pashinyan-rpa-impeachment-david-hambardzumyan-pm-candidate-armenian-economy-decline-demographic-crisis-birthrate-emigration-artsakh-refugees-georgia-relations-ukraine-war-poland-election-ep444/Wed, 11 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/444-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-church-under-attack-pashinyan-rpa-impeachment-david-hambardzumyan-pm-candidate-armenian-economy-decline-demographic-crisis-birthrate-emigration-artsakh-refugees-georgia-relations-ukraine-war-poland-election-ep444/<p>In this Week in Review episode, Groong hosts unpack a tense week in Armenian politics and society. Prime Minister Pashinyan intensifies his attacks on the Armenian Church, while the ruling Civil Contract party faces mounting criticism over corruption and nepotism. The opposition RPA nominates a symbolic candidate for prime minister amid an unlikely impeachment effort. Meanwhile, Armenia&rsquo;s economy shows cracks beneath reported growth, Georgia tightens trade routes, and demographic warnings grow starker as birthrates plummet and emigration continues. The episode also touches on global shifts, including the Ukraine war and Poland&rsquo;s presidential pivot, framing Armenia’s challenges in a broader geopolitical context.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/444-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-church-under-attack-pashinyan-rpa-impeachment-david-hambardzumyan-pm-candidate-armenian-economy-decline-demographic-crisis-birthrate-emigration-artsakh-refugees-georgia-relations-ukraine-war-poland-election-ep444/Wed, 11 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/444-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-church-under-attack-pashinyan-rpa-impeachment-david-hambardzumyan-pm-candidate-armenian-economy-decline-demographic-crisis-birthrate-emigration-artsakh-refugees-georgia-relations-ukraine-war-poland-election-ep444/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review episode, Groong hosts unpack a tense week in Armenian politics and society. Prime Minister Pashinyan intensifies his attacks on the Armenian Church, while the ruling Civil Contract party faces mounting criticism over corruption and nepotism. The opposition RPA nominates a symbolic candidate for prime minister amid an unlikely impeachment effort. Meanwhile, Armenia&rsquo;s economy shows cracks beneath reported growth, Georgia tightens trade routes, and demographic warnings grow starker as birthrates plummet and emigration continues. The episode also touches on global shifts, including the Ukraine war and Poland&rsquo;s presidential pivot, framing Armenia’s challenges in a broader geopolitical context.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/443-abhinav-pandya-from-sindoor-to-syunik-india-new-geopolitical-frontline-armenia-pakistan-turkey-azerbaijan-israel/Fri, 06 Jun 2025 00:11:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/443-abhinav-pandya-from-sindoor-to-syunik-india-new-geopolitical-frontline-armenia-pakistan-turkey-azerbaijan-israel/<p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Abhinav Pandya about the emerging Turkey–Pakistan–Azerbaijan axis and its implications for India’s security and regional posture. We explore the symbolism behind the opening of an empty airport in Berdzor (Lachin), the broader strategic coordination among these three nations, and how India responded with Operation Sindoor following a major terror attack in Pahalgam. The conversation also looks at Armenia’s growing role as a strategic partner for India, the complexities of managing ties with Iran, and the challenges facing multilateral projects like IMEC. Pandya outlines the ideological and hybrid threats India faces and what it must do to stay ahead in a shifting geopolitical landscape.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/443-abhinav-pandya-from-sindoor-to-syunik-india-new-geopolitical-frontline-armenia-pakistan-turkey-azerbaijan-israel/Fri, 06 Jun 2025 00:11:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/443-abhinav-pandya-from-sindoor-to-syunik-india-new-geopolitical-frontline-armenia-pakistan-turkey-azerbaijan-israel/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Abhinav Pandya about the emerging Turkey–Pakistan–Azerbaijan axis and its implications for India’s security and regional posture. We explore the symbolism behind the opening of an empty airport in Berdzor (Lachin), the broader strategic coordination among these three nations, and how India responded with Operation Sindoor following a major terror attack in Pahalgam. The conversation also looks at Armenia’s growing role as a strategic partner for India, the complexities of managing ties with Iran, and the challenges facing multilateral projects like IMEC. Pandya outlines the ideological and hybrid threats India faces and what it must do to stay ahead in a shifting geopolitical landscape.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/442-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-us-iran-crises-hakan-fidan-in-moscow-aliyev-erdogan-sharif-in-lachin-azerbaijan-pashinyan-attack-armenian-church-impeachment-vs-election/Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:18:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/442-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-us-iran-crises-hakan-fidan-in-moscow-aliyev-erdogan-sharif-in-lachin-azerbaijan-pashinyan-attack-armenian-church-impeachment-vs-election/<p>In this episode of Groong’s Week in Review, recorded on June 2, 2025, guest Benyamin Poghosyan joins hosts Hovik Manucharyan and Asbed Bedrossian to unpack a tense and volatile week in both regional and domestic politics. The conversation opens with rising tensions in the Ukraine war, as drone strikes reach deep into Russia, Germany lifts missile restrictions, and Trump labels Putin “crazy,” all while Iran nuclear talks remain frozen under hardline U.S. demands. The focus then shifts to the South Caucasus, where Turkish FM Hakan Fidan met Lavrov in Moscow to push the “3+3” platform and floated Istanbul as a summit venue for global powers. Meanwhile, Erdogan, Aliyev, and Pakistan’s PM Sharif staged a PR spectacle in Lachin to inaugurate a third airport in occupied Artsakh, signaling strategic realignments. Back in Armenia, the Pashinyans launched harsh verbal attacks on the Armenian Church just as Baku’s Grand Mufti claimed Etchmiadzin as Azerbaijani land, prompting questions of tacit coordination. The episode also revisits the impeachment debate versus opposition planning for the 2026 elections, probing whether security and corruption can drive real political traction. Finally, the hosts spotlight the rise of regime-aligned oligarch Narek Nalbandyan, whose sweetheart deals, state-enabled asset grabs, and government-backed expansion raise serious concerns about the erosion of anti-corruption values in Armenia today.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/442-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-us-iran-crises-hakan-fidan-in-moscow-aliyev-erdogan-sharif-in-lachin-azerbaijan-pashinyan-attack-armenian-church-impeachment-vs-election/Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:18:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/442-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-us-iran-crises-hakan-fidan-in-moscow-aliyev-erdogan-sharif-in-lachin-azerbaijan-pashinyan-attack-armenian-church-impeachment-vs-election/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Groong’s Week in Review, recorded on June 2, 2025, guest Benyamin Poghosyan joins hosts Hovik Manucharyan and Asbed Bedrossian to unpack a tense and volatile week in both regional and domestic politics. The conversation opens with rising tensions in the Ukraine war, as drone strikes reach deep into Russia, Germany lifts missile restrictions, and Trump labels Putin “crazy,” all while Iran nuclear talks remain frozen under hardline U.S. demands. The focus then shifts to the South Caucasus, where Turkish FM Hakan Fidan met Lavrov in Moscow to push the “3+3” platform and floated Istanbul as a summit venue for global powers. Meanwhile, Erdogan, Aliyev, and Pakistan’s PM Sharif staged a PR spectacle in Lachin to inaugurate a third airport in occupied Artsakh, signaling strategic realignments. Back in Armenia, the Pashinyans launched harsh verbal attacks on the Armenian Church just as Baku’s Grand Mufti claimed Etchmiadzin as Azerbaijani land, prompting questions of tacit coordination. The episode also revisits the impeachment debate versus opposition planning for the 2026 elections, probing whether security and corruption can drive real political traction. Finally, the hosts spotlight the rise of regime-aligned oligarch Narek Nalbandyan, whose sweetheart deals, state-enabled asset grabs, and government-backed expansion raise serious concerns about the erosion of anti-corruption values in Armenia today.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/441-arthur-khachatryan-armenia-eu-accession-russia-constitution-impeachment-artsakh-election/Thu, 29 May 2025 21:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/441-arthur-khachatryan-armenia-eu-accession-russia-constitution-impeachment-artsakh-election/<p>In this episode of Groong Week in Review, we speak with Arthur Khachatryan of the ARF about Armenia’s shifting political landscape. We reflect on Republic Day and the legacy of the First Armenian Republic, explore Armenia’s contradictory stance on EU membership amid Russian pressure, and examine Pashinyan’s push to amend the constitution to satisfy Azerbaijani demands. The conversation also covers rising opposition calls for either elections or impeachment, the growing threat of Azerbaijani aggression along Armenia’s borders, recent corruption scandals, and the implications of Armenia hosting the 2026 EPC Summit during an election year.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/441-arthur-khachatryan-armenia-eu-accession-russia-constitution-impeachment-artsakh-election/Thu, 29 May 2025 21:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/441-arthur-khachatryan-armenia-eu-accession-russia-constitution-impeachment-artsakh-election/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Groong Week in Review, we speak with Arthur Khachatryan of the ARF about Armenia’s shifting political landscape. We reflect on Republic Day and the legacy of the First Armenian Republic, explore Armenia’s contradictory stance on EU membership amid Russian pressure, and examine Pashinyan’s push to amend the constitution to satisfy Azerbaijani demands. The conversation also covers rising opposition calls for either elections or impeachment, the growing threat of Azerbaijani aggression along Armenia’s borders, recent corruption scandals, and the implications of Armenia hosting the 2026 EPC Summit during an election year.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/440-edgar-ghazaryan-media-freedom-armenia-free-speech-pashinyan-press-censorship-velvet-revolution/Wed, 28 May 2025 17:36:57 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/440-edgar-ghazaryan-media-freedom-armenia-free-speech-pashinyan-press-censorship-velvet-revolution/<p><strong>Freedom of Speech on Trial: Media Suppression and the Case of Edgar Ghazaryan</strong></p> <p>In this <em>Conversations on Groong</em> episode, we speak with Edgar Ghazaryan, economist, diplomat, and former ambassador of Armenia to Poland, about the state of media freedom in Armenia. The interview, conducted in Armenian, was recorded on March 9, 2025.</p> <p>Ghazaryan’s recent criminal prosecution—which includes a speech restriction as a condition for his release—serves as a focal point for understanding the pressures placed on independent voices in Armenia today. We explore how the government’s tactics, from public media control to legal harassment, threaten free expression and democratic health in the country.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/440-edgar-ghazaryan-media-freedom-armenia-free-speech-pashinyan-press-censorship-velvet-revolution/Wed, 28 May 2025 17:36:57 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/440-edgar-ghazaryan-media-freedom-armenia-free-speech-pashinyan-press-censorship-velvet-revolution/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Criminal charges used to silence Edgar Ghazaryan / Քրեական մեղադրանքներ՝ Էդգար Ղազարյանին լռեցնելու համար. Media freedom in Armenia under Pashinyan&rsquo;s rule / Մամուլի ազատությունը Հայաստանում Փաշինյանի կառավարման օրոք. Public broadcasting under political control / Հանրային հեռարձակումը քաղաքական վերահսկողության տակ. State-aligned actors spreading misinformation / Ապատեղեկատվություն տարածող պետական կողմի դերակատարները.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/440/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/439-levon-zourabian-us-iran-nuclear-negotiations-middle-east-abraham-accords--geopolitic-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-2026-elections/Tue, 27 May 2025 00:11:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/439-levon-zourabian-us-iran-nuclear-negotiations-middle-east-abraham-accords--geopolitic-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-2026-elections/<p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Levon Zourabian, Vice President of the Armenian National Congress (ANC), about the rising political temperature in Armenia ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections. We explore the fragile geopolitical environment surrounding Armenia—from renewed US-Iran negotiations and the expansion of the Abraham Accords to Russia’s shifting posture in Ukraine and the South Caucasus. Zourabian also weighs in on the Armenia-Azerbaijan talks, Lavrov’s visit to Yerevan, and whether a new political coalition can challenge Nikol Pashinyan’s hold on power.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/439-levon-zourabian-us-iran-nuclear-negotiations-middle-east-abraham-accords--geopolitic-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-2026-elections/Tue, 27 May 2025 00:11:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/439-levon-zourabian-us-iran-nuclear-negotiations-middle-east-abraham-accords--geopolitic-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-2026-elections/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Levon Zourabian, Vice President of the Armenian National Congress (ANC), about the rising political temperature in Armenia ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections. We explore the fragile geopolitical environment surrounding Armenia—from renewed US-Iran negotiations and the expansion of the Abraham Accords to Russia’s shifting posture in Ukraine and the South Caucasus. Zourabian also weighs in on the Armenia-Azerbaijan talks, Lavrov’s visit to Yerevan, and whether a new political coalition can challenge Nikol Pashinyan’s hold on power.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/438-hrant-mikaelian-tirana-lavrov-armenia-democracy-demilitarization-kitchen-sink/Fri, 23 May 2025 08:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/438-hrant-mikaelian-tirana-lavrov-armenia-democracy-demilitarization-kitchen-sink/<h1 id="main-topics-addressed"><strong>Main Topics Addressed</strong></h1> <ul> <li><strong>Pashinyan in Tirana</strong>: Very little was shared in advance about his meetings with Erdogan and Aliyev; post-meeting reports reveal renewed demands, including the removal of Mt. Ararat from Armenia’s coat of arms. European leaders echoed calls for a &ldquo;swift&rdquo; peace deal.</li> <li><strong>Lavrov’s Visit to Yerevan</strong>: Russia aims to stay relevant in normalization talks; seeks presence, not outcomes.</li> <li><strong>Crackdown on Journalism</strong>: Armenian journalists face persecution; authorities draft new anti-media laws.</li> <li><strong>Municipal Corruption &amp; Political Decline</strong>: Tigran Avinyan allies arrested; public confidence in Yerevan city leadership slipping.</li> <li><strong>Election 2026 and Opposition Rifts</strong>: Kocharian eyes a comeback; factions split between elections and impeachment.</li> <li><strong>Military Reform = Demilitarization?</strong>: $52,000 bill to shorten service seen as quiet demilitarization.</li> <li><strong>The Kitchen Sink Segment</strong>: Follow-ups on Iran-Armenia ties, parliament chaos, and defense import cuts.</li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h1> <ul> <li>What exactly are Aliyev’s expanding demands, and why does the West appear complicit?</li> <li>Why is Pashinyan negotiating secretly with Erdogan while Turkey blockades Armenia?</li> <li>Can Lavrov’s visit restore Russia’s influence in Armenia, or is it just optics?</li> <li>Is Armenia’s military reform a step toward national weakening under external pressure?</li> <li>Why are Western civil society groups silent as press freedom erodes in Armenia?</li> <li>Can the Armenian opposition realistically unseat Pashinyan in 2026—or are they too fragmented?</li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="referenced-articles--sources"><strong>Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</strong></h1> <ul> <li><a href="https://asbarez.com/baku-continues-to-insist-on-changes-to-armenian-constitution-and-now-coat-of-arms/">Aliyev Demands New Concessions</a></li> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1219721">Lavrov in Yerevan</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33418459.html">Zangezur TV Journalist Charged</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33419421.html">Kocharian’s Interview</a></li> <li><a href="https://jam-news.net/just-one-month-of-military-service-in-armenia-for-a-price/">Military Reform Law</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <hr> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/438-hrant-mikaelian-tirana-lavrov-armenia-democracy-demilitarization-kitchen-sink/Fri, 23 May 2025 08:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/438-hrant-mikaelian-tirana-lavrov-armenia-democracy-demilitarization-kitchen-sink/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Pashinyan in Tirana. Russia’s Lavrov in Yerevan. Democracy in Jeopardy. Armenia’s Demilitarization by Any Other Name. The Kitchen Sink.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/438/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/437-ehsan-movahedian-iran-amidst-geopolitical-tensions-pezeshkian-armenia-azerbaijan-israel-usa-russia-syria/Mon, 19 May 2025 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/437-ehsan-movahedian-iran-amidst-geopolitical-tensions-pezeshkian-armenia-azerbaijan-israel-usa-russia-syria/<h2 id="episode-437-iran-amidst-geopolitical-tensions--ehsan-movahedian">Episode 437: Iran Amidst Geopolitical Tensions – Ehsan Movahedian</h2> <h3 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed:</h3> <ul> <li>US-Iran Nuclear Talks and Trump&rsquo;s Middle East Visit</li> <li>Pezeshkian’s Visit to Baku and the Zangezur Corridor Debate</li> <li>Iran-Armenia Relations Amid Regional Pressures</li> <li>The Abraham Accords and Potential South Caucasus Expansion</li> </ul> <h3 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed:</h3> <ul> <li>How is Iran responding to Trump’s nuclear deal proposal and U.S. sanctions?</li> <li>What implications does Pezeshkian’s Baku visit hold for Iran-Armenia relations?</li> <li>Why is Iran opposed to the Zangezur Corridor, and what is its alternative proposal?</li> <li>How is Iran navigating internal divisions between reformists and conservatives regarding foreign policy?</li> <li>Could the Abraham Accords be leveraged to further isolate Iran in the South Caucasus?</li> </ul> <h3 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/trump-says-us-is-getting-very-close-nuclear-deal-with-iran-2025-05-15/">Reuters: Trump says US is getting very close to nuclear deal with Iran</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-iran-given-draft-deal-proposal-i-dont-know-if-netanyahu-can-get-hostages-out/">Times of Israel: Trump: Iran given draft deal proposal, &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t know&rsquo; if Netanyahu can get hostages out</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/16/trump-calls-on-iran-to-move-quickly-on-nuclear-proposal">Al Jazeera: Trump calls on Iran to &lsquo;move quickly&rsquo; on nuclear proposal</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250428-iranian-president-visits-azerbaijan-as-ties-warm">France 24: Pezeshkian visit to Baku as ties warm</a></li> <li><a href="https://niacouncil.org/irans-president-pezeshkian-visits-azerbaijan-amid-efforts-to-revive-ties/">NIAC: Iran&rsquo;s Pezeshkian visits Azerbaijan to revive ties</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2025/04/28/3301043/pezeshkian-affirms-azerbaijan-s-sovereignty-over-karabakh-in-visit-to-baku">Tasnim News: Pezeshkian affirms Azerbaijan’s sovereignty over Karabakh</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/amn-karavarakan-banky-339-milion-dolarov-kvarkavori-zenk-pokhadrogh-adrbejanakan-aviaynkeroutyany/33372552.html">Azatutyun: EXIM Bank approves $339M loan to Azerbaijan</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.mehrnews.com/news/231430/Iran-US-delegations-to-resume-talks-this-weekend">Mehr News: Iran-US talks to resume this weekend</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/world/iran/iran-port-massive-explosion-rcna203147">NBC News: Explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port</a></li> <li><a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-talks-nuclear-b86262ea0b1fed38df40855deaf79258">AP News: Iran-US nuclear talks update</a></li> <li><a href="https://responsiblestatecraft.org/trump-iran-2671887077">Responsible Statecraft: US-Iran tensions rise amid talks</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/04/trump-iran-nuclear-program-dismantled">Axios: Trump demands dismantling of Iran&rsquo;s nuclear program</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/437-ehsan-movahedian-iran-amidst-geopolitical-tensions-pezeshkian-armenia-azerbaijan-israel-usa-russia-syria/Mon, 19 May 2025 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/437-ehsan-movahedian-iran-amidst-geopolitical-tensions-pezeshkian-armenia-azerbaijan-israel-usa-russia-syria/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>US-Iran Nuclear Talks. Pezeshkian Visit to Baku. Iran-Armenia Relations. US Support for Azerbaijan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/437/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/436-pietro-shakarian-may-9-victory-day-russia-moscow-armenia-putin-xi-jinping-geopolitics-nikol-pashinyan-historical-revision-world-war-2/Thu, 15 May 2025 11:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/436-pietro-shakarian-may-9-victory-day-russia-moscow-armenia-putin-xi-jinping-geopolitics-nikol-pashinyan-historical-revision-world-war-2/<p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, historian Pietro Shakarian joins us to discuss the evolving narratives surrounding Victory Day on May 9, 2025, particularly as they relate to Armenia, Russia, and the broader post-Soviet space. Shakarian examines how Armenia’s contributions to World War II are being downplayed amidst rising geopolitical tensions and how figures like Artsrun Hovhannisyan are attempting to rewrite the country’s historical role. The conversation also delves into the symbolic significance of the Immortal Regiment march in Armenia, the political posturing of Nikol Pashinyan and Ilham Aliyev during the Moscow parade, and the story of Gevorg Kolozyan, an Armenian who became a resistance fighter in Italy during the war.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/436-pietro-shakarian-may-9-victory-day-russia-moscow-armenia-putin-xi-jinping-geopolitics-nikol-pashinyan-historical-revision-world-war-2/Thu, 15 May 2025 11:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/436-pietro-shakarian-may-9-victory-day-russia-moscow-armenia-putin-xi-jinping-geopolitics-nikol-pashinyan-historical-revision-world-war-2/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, historian Pietro Shakarian joins us to discuss the evolving narratives surrounding Victory Day on May 9, 2025, particularly as they relate to Armenia, Russia, and the broader post-Soviet space. Shakarian examines how Armenia’s contributions to World War II are being downplayed amidst rising geopolitical tensions and how figures like Artsrun Hovhannisyan are attempting to rewrite the country’s historical role. The conversation also delves into the symbolic significance of the Immortal Regiment march in Armenia, the political posturing of Nikol Pashinyan and Ilham Aliyev during the Moscow parade, and the story of Gevorg Kolozyan, an Armenian who became a resistance fighter in Italy during the war.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/435-arthur-martirosyan-may-9-victory-day-russia-moscow-india-pakistan-war-armenia-azerbaijan-american-pope-leo-xiv/Wed, 14 May 2025 14:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/435-arthur-martirosyan-may-9-victory-day-russia-moscow-india-pakistan-war-armenia-azerbaijan-american-pope-leo-xiv/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review episode, we sit down with Arthur G. Martirosyan, a conflict management expert, to discuss the broader implications of Victory Day in Moscow, where Xi Jinping’s presence underscored China’s growing influence and Trump’s push for a US-centric WWII holiday sparked controversy. We explore Armenia’s shifting narrative through a controversial interview aired on Public TV and the contrasting approaches of Armenia and Azerbaijan to the parade. The episode also delves into escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Trump’s proposed ceasefire in Ukraine, and the implications of the election of the first American Pope for the Armenian Church.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/435-arthur-martirosyan-may-9-victory-day-russia-moscow-india-pakistan-war-armenia-azerbaijan-american-pope-leo-xiv/Wed, 14 May 2025 14:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/435-arthur-martirosyan-may-9-victory-day-russia-moscow-india-pakistan-war-armenia-azerbaijan-american-pope-leo-xiv/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review episode, we sit down with Arthur G. Martirosyan, a conflict management expert, to discuss the broader implications of Victory Day in Moscow, where Xi Jinping’s presence underscored China’s growing influence and Trump’s push for a US-centric WWII holiday sparked controversy. We explore Armenia’s shifting narrative through a controversial interview aired on Public TV and the contrasting approaches of Armenia and Azerbaijan to the parade. The episode also delves into escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Trump’s proposed ceasefire in Ukraine, and the implications of the election of the first American Pope for the Armenian Church.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/434-benyamin-poghosyan-us-iran-tensions-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-victory-day-journalist-assault-yerevan/Wed, 07 May 2025 00:04:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/434-benyamin-poghosyan-us-iran-tensions-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-victory-day-journalist-assault-yerevan/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review episode recorded on May 6, 2025, we discuss the latest developments in Armenia, the South Caucasus, and beyond with Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan, a senior fellow at APRI Armenia and Chairman of the Center for Political and Economic Strategic Studies.</p> <h2 id="topics-covered">Topics Covered</h2> <ul> <li>US-Iran Tensions and Escalating Sanctions</li> <li>Assault on Journalist in Yerevan Government Office</li> <li>Moscow Victory Day Parade and Armenia’s Geopolitical Crossroads</li> <li>Armenia-Azerbaijan Talks – Stalemate and Implications for 2026 Elections</li> <li>Azerbaijan’s Growing Influence and Iran’s Diplomatic Countermoves</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>What is the trajectory of US-Iran negotiations given the new sanctions and postponement of talks?</li> <li>How might the secondary oil sanctions on Iran affect its economy and Armenia’s energy imports?</li> <li>What is the political fallout from the assault on journalist Arthur Chakhoyan, and how has the Republic Party responded?</li> <li>How significant is Armenia’s attendance at Moscow’s Victory Day Parade amidst pressure from the EU?</li> <li>Could Azerbaijan’s demands for an extraterritorial corridor through Armenia escalate into renewed conflict?</li> <li>What is the status of Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiations, and how might upcoming elections impact diplomatic efforts?</li> </ul> <h2 id="links-referenced-during-the-show">Links Referenced During The Show</h2> <h3 id="iran-sanctions--us-iran-negotiations">Iran Sanctions &amp; US-Iran Negotiations</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/04/trump-iran-nuclear-program-dismantled">Axios: Trump Calls for Dismantling Iran’s Nuclear Program</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.mehrnews.com/news/231430/Iran-US-delegations-to-resume-talks-this-weekend">Mehr News: Iran-US Talks Postponed</a></li> <li><a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114433959082847679">Truth Social: Trump’s Secondary Sanctions Announcement</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/trump-says-buying-iranian-oil-must-stop-threatens-secondary-sanctions-purchasers-2025-05-01/">Reuters: New Sanctions on Iranian Oil</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="moscow-victory-day-parade">Moscow Victory Day Parade</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://eadaily.com/en/news/2025/05/03/is-may-9-canceled-in-moscow-serbian-president-vucic-urgently-hospitalized">EADaily: Speculation Around May 9 Parade</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/eu-ban-serbia-president-joins-124629634.html">Yahoo News: EU Leaders Warn of Repercussions for Attending Moscow Parade</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="yerevan-beating--journalist-assaulted-inside-government-office">Yerevan Beating – Journalist Assaulted Inside Government Office</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33403251.html">Azatutyun: Republic Party Defends Violence</a></li> <li><a href="https://oc-media.org/russia-protests-armenian-bucha-visit/">OC Media: Reactions to Armenia’s Bucha Visit</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0yB5QftJX4UwGLGEKGgVWDFoQTqs8aeitGcJDzwBt1t3yqNGCvqkpFHY5semZFxGzl&amp;id=100016322520223&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVEs95AK8CmpTrg3uIirvYdk6BnGhiDQ-a6utqlyLmeSHir7FEq_pb_vCpusqBn-oQg-5nQW5uZsMzqM82gnHp7G2FNd8FF7jZVBjaDplYLeh341uUdYA05zgpXtsc7FPZIZzG-MdZY1vTbwtQ0Q0O8lm6_a83SqMc_r1AwPfrEXdTpwbhiMqGGznEVy4Uf8mJa5W-tWBN5UPIHOBEud68yI_7D2EYRwgxpdex0ptDnpg&amp;__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R">Aram Sargsyan and Republic Party Blaming Putin</a></li> <li><a href="https://youtu.be/YQCLUhxyC8c?si=MjSlBRSykdblbrEo">Video of incident</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="arthur-chakhoyan">Arthur Chakhoyan</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.Chakhoyan/videos/617221971360128">Failed kindergarten renovation by company associated with Civil Contract</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.Chakhoyan/videos/1085262919377598/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZU6qSVx2D_GGqXp7Fq3ljFEy6lMbbYVttTLD5KoT3nMEX_qJzBpq8YaKKKDWSDr1xQWBkLqBnIbW_eoM_0zzzuK6SSsXnVjtcno2l19natCiMartwTZHN4FIL9vYBjk1NUyYPH4qlPXyCdrbRz572xOjpBr7JYut4nHQBnXNwN4_MLfSQd_DUefvgp3QPPhx6PAhKwuRMOiP14ob1qn_yv7&amp;__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R">Channel 5 coverage of corruption exposure</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.Chakhoyan/posts/pfbid0ikdsmenegFeEX2VsvHLKSRcokJ2cqTmhBsLCpEVArSQDz1vFtqD7urdepgF41WMQl">Chakhoyan FB Post #1</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=577103002061726">Chakhoyan FB Post #2</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.Chakhoyan/videos/577103002061726">Chakhoyan FB Post #3</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.Chakhoyan/videos/236007926259377">Chakhoyan FB Post #4</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.Chakhoyan/videos/1596286871183106">Chakhoyan FB Post #5</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cEjwvom43Wo">Youtube video of Chakhoyan&rsquo;s work</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/434-benyamin-poghosyan-us-iran-tensions-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-victory-day-journalist-assault-yerevan/Wed, 07 May 2025 00:04:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/434-benyamin-poghosyan-us-iran-tensions-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-victory-day-journalist-assault-yerevan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review episode recorded on May 6, 2025, we discuss the latest developments in Armenia, the South Caucasus, and beyond with Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan, a senior fellow at APRI Armenia and Chairman of the Center for Political and Economic Strategic Studies.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/434/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/433-scott-horton-ukraine-war-nato-expansion-armenia-iran-pipeline-politics-color-revolutions/Sun, 04 May 2025 01:59:25 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/433-scott-horton-ukraine-war-nato-expansion-armenia-iran-pipeline-politics-color-revolutions/<h2 id="summary"><strong>Summary</strong></h2> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with longtime antiwar author and radio host Scott Horton, whose latest book Provoked: How Washington Started the New Cold War with Russia and the Catastrophe in Ukraine lays out how decades of U.S. provocations — from NATO expansion to proxy wars and pipeline politics — set the stage for the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. We also discuss the silencing of dissent in American media, the disappearance of the antiwar left, and how Armenia fits into the evolving chessboard of U.S. foreign policy.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/433-scott-horton-ukraine-war-nato-expansion-armenia-iran-pipeline-politics-color-revolutions/Sun, 04 May 2025 01:59:25 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/433-scott-horton-ukraine-war-nato-expansion-armenia-iran-pipeline-politics-color-revolutions/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>What happened to Antiwar Voices. Color Revolutions as US Strategy. Armenia and Pipeline Geopolitics. And more!</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/433/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20250504-transcript-433-scott-horton-ukraine-war-nato-expansion-armenia-iran-pipeline-politics-color-revolutions/Sun, 04 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20250504-transcript-433-scott-horton-ukraine-war-nato-expansion-armenia-iran-pipeline-politics-color-revolutions/<h2 id="summary"><strong>Summary</strong></h2> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with longtime antiwar author and radio host Scott Horton, whose latest book Provoked: How Washington Started the New Cold War with Russia and the Catastrophe in Ukraine lays out how decades of U.S. provocations — from NATO expansion to proxy wars and pipeline politics — set the stage for the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. We also discuss the silencing of dissent in American media, the disappearance of the antiwar left, and how Armenia fits into the evolving chessboard of U.S. foreign policy.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/432-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-genocide-recognition-and-denial-trump-erdogan-eu-macron-iran-azerbaijan-bandar-abbas.md/Wed, 30 Apr 2025 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/432-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-genocide-recognition-and-denial-trump-erdogan-eu-macron-iran-azerbaijan-bandar-abbas.md/<p>This Week in Review episode was recorded on April 29, 2025. We’re joined by diplomat and former ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian to discuss major developments in and around Armenia during the week of April 21–27, 2025.</p> <hr> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li>When the State Steps Back from Remembrance</li> <li>The Politics of Silence Around April 24</li> <li>Iran-Azerbaijan Bilateral Talks in Baku</li> <li>Bandar Abbas Explosion and the INSTC</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>What are the implications of Armenia deprioritizing Genocide recognition?</li> <li>Should the expulsion of Armenians from Artsakh be considered a continuation of the Genocide?</li> <li>How are the international responses to April 24 evolving — and what do they reveal?</li> <li>What’s behind Iran’s diplomatic outreach to Azerbaijan?</li> <li>How should we interpret the explosion in Bandar Abbas?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://asbarez.com/genocide-recognition-not-a-priority-for-yerevan-pashinyan-tells-turkish-reporters/">Pashinyan: Genocide recognition no longer a priority</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.primeminister.am/en/statements-and-messages/item/2020/04/24/Nikol-Pashinyan-Speech-April-24/">Nikol Pashinyan’s 2020 April 24 Speech</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-resolution/296/text">U.S. Congress Genocide Resolution H.Res.296 (2019)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/04/presidential-message-on-armenian-remembrance-day-2025/">White House 2025 Genocide Commemoration Statement</a></li> <li><a href="https://x.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1915311317482623349">Macron’s April 24 Statement</a></li> <li><a href="https://alphanews.am/en/russian-embassy-in-armenia-on-russias-position-regarding-armenian-genocide-issue/">Russian Embassy’s Genocide Recognition Statement</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/erdogan-extends-condolences-for-ottoman-armenians/news">Erdogan Extends Condolences – Daily Sabah</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/death-toll-blast-irans-bandar-abbas-port-rises-25-2025-04-27/">Bandar Abbas Port Explosion Coverage – Reuters</a></li> <li><a href="https://x.com/groong/status/1915528346320200169">Groong Tweet: EUMA’s censored statement comparison</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="other-resources">Other Resources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Link Tree</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Support Groong on Patreon</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee – Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/432-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-genocide-recognition-and-denial-trump-erdogan-eu-macron-iran-azerbaijan-bandar-abbas.md/Wed, 30 Apr 2025 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/432-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-genocide-recognition-and-denial-trump-erdogan-eu-macron-iran-azerbaijan-bandar-abbas.md/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Week in Review episode was recorded on April 29, 2025. We’re joined by diplomat and former ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian to discuss major developments in and around Armenia during the week of April 21–27, 2025.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/432/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/431-alberto-fernandez-vatican-azerbaijan-gregorian-university-artsakh-ethnic-cleansing-armenian-genocide-diplomatic-crisis-eastern-christians-us-foreign-policy-trump-administration-iran-middle-east/Tue, 29 Apr 2025 21:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/431-alberto-fernandez-vatican-azerbaijan-gregorian-university-artsakh-ethnic-cleansing-armenian-genocide-diplomatic-crisis-eastern-christians-us-foreign-policy-trump-administration-iran-middle-east/<h1 id="show-notes">Show Notes</h1> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Ambassador Alberto M. Fernandez about the Vatican’s collaboration with Azerbaijan, particularly the recent conference held at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome that attempted to whitewash the ethnic cleansing of Armenians from Artsakh. Fernandez shares his critique of the Vatican’s role in legitimizing authoritarian propaganda, and we also explore the muted international response to Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, the implications of Armenia’s shifting diplomatic posture, and how Trump’s return to the White House could affect regional dynamics in the South Caucasus and the Middle East.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/431-alberto-fernandez-vatican-azerbaijan-gregorian-university-artsakh-ethnic-cleansing-armenian-genocide-diplomatic-crisis-eastern-christians-us-foreign-policy-trump-administration-iran-middle-east/Tue, 29 Apr 2025 21:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/431-alberto-fernandez-vatican-azerbaijan-gregorian-university-artsakh-ethnic-cleansing-armenian-genocide-diplomatic-crisis-eastern-christians-us-foreign-policy-trump-administration-iran-middle-east/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Vatican’s alliance with Azerbaijan. Whitewashing of Artsakh’s ethnic cleansing. Global silence on Armenian Genocide. U.S. policy under Trump and risks to Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/431/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/430-hadjian-matiossian-vatican-azerbaijan-propaganda-cultural-erasure-artsakh-history/Mon, 28 Apr 2025 21:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/430-hadjian-matiossian-vatican-azerbaijan-propaganda-cultural-erasure-artsakh-history/<h1 id="show-notes">Show Notes</h1> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we discuss the Vatican&rsquo;s controversial collaboration with Azerbaijan to whitewash the erasure of Armenian history.</p> <p>In the final weeks of Pope Francis&rsquo; life, the Pontifical Gregorian University hosted a conference titled <em>&ldquo;Christianity in Azerbaijan: History and Modernity,&rdquo;</em> backed by Azerbaijan’s regime. The event, with no Armenian participation, advanced a false narrative erasing the Christian Armenian heritage of Artsakh.</p> <p>We are joined by:</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/430-hadjian-matiossian-vatican-azerbaijan-propaganda-cultural-erasure-artsakh-history/Mon, 28 Apr 2025 21:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/430-hadjian-matiossian-vatican-azerbaijan-propaganda-cultural-erasure-artsakh-history/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Vatican Hosts Fake Azeri Conference. Azerbaijani Propaganda and Cultural Misappropriation. Weakness and Silent Complicity of the Armenian State.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/430/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/429-hrant-mikaelian-iran-exim-bank-azerbaijan-armenia-gyumri-effect-on-civil-contract-hating-artsakh-armenians-pope-francis-vatican/Wed, 23 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/429-hrant-mikaelian-iran-exim-bank-azerbaijan-armenia-gyumri-effect-on-civil-contract-hating-artsakh-armenians-pope-francis-vatican/<h2 id="main-topics-addressed"><strong>Main Topics Addressed</strong></h2> <ul> <li> <p><strong>US-Iran Talks &amp; Israeli Threats:</strong><br> Israel is considering limited strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, even as the U.S. and Iran resume nuclear negotiations in Rome. Russia has emerged as a potential mediator, raising questions about its growing role in regional diplomacy.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Trump Administration Support for Azerbaijan:</strong><br> The U.S. Export-Import Bank approved a $339M loan to Azerbaijan’s Silk Way Airlines, despite its ties to arms transport and the Aliyev regime—igniting backlash over the contradiction with U.S. human rights commitments.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/429-hrant-mikaelian-iran-exim-bank-azerbaijan-armenia-gyumri-effect-on-civil-contract-hating-artsakh-armenians-pope-francis-vatican/Wed, 23 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/429-hrant-mikaelian-iran-exim-bank-azerbaijan-armenia-gyumri-effect-on-civil-contract-hating-artsakh-armenians-pope-francis-vatican/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>US-Iran Talks &amp; Israeli Threats. Trump Administration Support for Azerbaijan. Iran-Azerbaijan Relations &amp; Corridor Demands. Vatican Controversy &amp; Global Anti-Armenian Propaganda. Local Elections in Gyumri and Parakar. Government-Fueled Hate Against Artsakh Refugees.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/429/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/428-anna-karapetyan-iran-armenia-military-exercise-azerbaijan-border-shootings-mirzoyan-in-antalya-genocide-denial/Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:10:36 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/428-anna-karapetyan-iran-armenia-military-exercise-azerbaijan-border-shootings-mirzoyan-in-antalya-genocide-denial/<h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li>Iran-Armenia Military Exercises</li> <li>Azerbaijani Terror Against Armenian Border Villages</li> <li>Armenia at the Antalya Diplomatic Forum</li> <li>Genocide Denial by Armenia’s Leadership</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>What’s the political significance of Iran-Armenia joint military drills?</li> <li>How are Azerbaijani provocations along the border impacting Armenian civilians—and why is Yerevan silent?</li> <li>What was Ararat Mirzoyan’s role at the Antalya Diplomatic Forum, and what message did Armenia send?</li> <li>Is the Pashinyan government actively denying the Armenian Genocide? And how does the international community respond?</li> <li>What do Turkey and Azerbaijan gain by demanding constitutional change in Armenia?</li> <li>Is the continued recognition of the Armenian Genocide abroad a counter to official denial at home?</li> </ul> <h2 id="thoughts-from-the-participants">Thoughts from the Participants</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Hovik</strong>: Aftermath of Gyumri elections: opposition consolidating, but concerns of government retaliation persist.</li> <li><strong>Anna</strong>: Government forcing new “Citizens Day” holiday on people. Pretty much around the time of the Armenian Genocide.</li> <li><strong>Asbed</strong>: Pathetic Armenian performance at the Antalya Diplomatic Forum. Is Pashinyan’s “real Armenia” tomorrow’s “western Azerbaijan”?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="links-referenced-during-the-show">Links Referenced During The Show</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://x.com/ZartonkMedia/status/1911824117000745006">Khnatsakh village center hit by Azerbaijani fire</a></li> <li><a href="https://168.am/2025/04/13/2199302.html">168.am – Azerbaijani troops told Armenians to withdraw from Tavush</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_XItk8JhfU">Antalya Forum panel: Mirzoyan, Bayramov, and Georgia FM</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33376399.html">Azatutyun coverage – Armenia and constitutional reform</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33378466.html">Azatutyun – Armenia, Turkey to continue normalization talks</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33382523.html">Azatutyun – Srbuhi Galyan on fast-tracking constitutional change</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.lemkininstitute.com/statements-new-page/statement-on-the-continued-denialist-rhetoric-of-armenian-prime-minister-nikol-pashinyan">Lemkin Institute condemns Pashinyan’s denialism</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.anc.org.au/news/Media-Releases/Three-MPs-Raise-Armenian-Genocide-for-First-Time-in-18-Years-in-Victorian-Parliament">ANC Australia – MPs raise Genocide in Parliament</a></li> <li><a href="https://sundayguardianlive.com/featured/name-the-horror-time-to-recognise-for-what-it-was-armenian-genocide">Sunday Guardian – Op-ed on Armenian Genocide recognition</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <hr> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/428-anna-karapetyan-iran-armenia-military-exercise-azerbaijan-border-shootings-mirzoyan-in-antalya-genocide-denial/Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:10:36 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/428-anna-karapetyan-iran-armenia-military-exercise-azerbaijan-border-shootings-mirzoyan-in-antalya-genocide-denial/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Iran-Armenia Military Exercises. Armenian Villages Terrorized by Azerbaijan. Mirzoyan in Antalya. Armenia’s Genocide Denial.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/428/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/427-warwick-powell-usa-china-tariff-wars-iran-war-multipolarity-belt-road-initiative-instc/Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/427-warwick-powell-usa-china-tariff-wars-iran-war-multipolarity-belt-road-initiative-instc/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Professor Warwick Powell about the tectonic shifts in global trade, economics, and geopolitics. From Washington&rsquo;s renewed tariff wars to China&rsquo;s expanding influence through BRICS and infrastructure initiatives like the BRI, Powell shares his insights on the emerging multipolar order and the declining dominance of the U.S.-centric financial system.</p> <hr> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed"><strong>Main Topics Addressed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>U.S. tariff wars and their political and economic underpinnings</li> <li>China’s evolving role in the global trade architecture</li> <li>Rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran</li> <li>The emergence of BRICS as a multipolar economic bloc</li> <li>Dollar de-weaponization and alternative financial infrastructures (e.g., BRICS Clear)</li> <li>Belt &amp; Road Initiative vs. India’s INSTC: competition or complementarity?</li> <li>Strategic navigation for small states like Armenia in a shifting global order</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>What are the real causes of U.S. industrial decline, and are tariffs the right response?</li> <li>How will the new wave of tariffs affect China, BRICS, and global trade structures?</li> <li>Are we witnessing the end of globalization or its transformation into a multipolar model?</li> <li>What are the implications of a potential U.S.-Iran conflict on regional and global alliances?</li> <li>How effective are BRICS&rsquo; efforts to bypass the U.S. dollar in global trade?</li> <li>What long-term effects could de-dollarization have on U.S. capital markets?</li> <li>Are Belt and Road and INSTC competing initiatives, or can they be complementary?</li> <li>How should countries like Armenia approach these evolving regional infrastructure projects?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources"><strong>Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</strong></h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://eadaily.com/en/news/2025/04/02/iran-closes-airspace-and-brings-the-army-to-full-combat-readiness-mehr">Iran closes airspace, full combat readiness (Mehr)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202504/1331388.shtml">Global Times – Iran crisis coverage</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/russian-chinese-foreign-ministers-discuss-irans-nuclear-program-korea-russia-2025-04-01/">Reuters – Russia-China dialogue on Iran</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="don"><strong>Don&rsquo;t forget to support us:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/427-warwick-powell-usa-china-tariff-wars-iran-war-multipolarity-belt-road-initiative-instc/Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/427-warwick-powell-usa-china-tariff-wars-iran-war-multipolarity-belt-road-initiative-instc/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Professor Warwick Powell about the tectonic shifts in global trade, economics, and geopolitics. From Washington&rsquo;s renewed tariff wars to China&rsquo;s expanding influence through BRICS and infrastructure initiatives like the BRI, Powell shares his insights on the emerging multipolar order and the declining dominance of the U.S.-centric financial system.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/427/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20250410-transcript-427-warwick-powell-usa-china-tariff-wars-iran-war-multipolarity-belt-road-initiative-instc/Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20250410-transcript-427-warwick-powell-usa-china-tariff-wars-iran-war-multipolarity-belt-road-initiative-instc/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/427/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Warwick Powell - U.S., China, Tariff Wars, and Multipolarity | Ep 427, Apr 8, 2025</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong - 04/08/2025</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2025-04-10</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 427</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/427">https://podcasts.groong.org/427</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/5vZsPrDGq8w">https://youtu.be/5vZsPrDGq8w</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/wpowell">Warwick Powell</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/wpowell">Dr. Warwick Powell</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p> </blockquote> <p><strong>Asbed:</strong> Hello everyone, and welcome to this Conversations on Groong episode. Today, we&rsquo;re going to be talking about China on the world stage. At a time when the US is initiating tariff wars with everyone, including friendly countries, we&rsquo;re going to explore what really is driving this tariff regime and what it means for the US-China relationship. So today we&rsquo;re talking with Professor Warwick Powell from the University of Queensland in Australia, and also the Taihe Institute in Beijing.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/426-benyamin-poghosyan-usa-iran-escalation-aftermath-of-gyumri-and-parakar-elections-armenia-mfa-blames-artsakh-leadership-negotiations-with-azerbaijan/Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:04:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/426-benyamin-poghosyan-usa-iran-escalation-aftermath-of-gyumri-and-parakar-elections-armenia-mfa-blames-artsakh-leadership-negotiations-with-azerbaijan/<h2 id="main-topics-addressed"><strong>Main Topics Addressed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>The rapidly escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran: military deployments, Trump’s ultimatums, and potential outcomes</li> <li>Analysis of Civil Contract&rsquo;s municipal election losses in Gyumri and Parakar</li> <li>Armenia&rsquo;s Foreign Ministry statements blaming the former Artsakh leadership for regional isolation</li> <li>The state of Armenia-Azerbaijan &ldquo;peace&rdquo; negotiations and constitutional changes under duress</li> <li>Border attacks and Pashinyan&rsquo;s balancing act between international PR and local security failures</li> <li>Social instability surrounding Artsakh refugees and slashing of housing aid</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>Are the Trump administration’s demands to Iran designed to provoke conflict or extract genuine concessions?</li> <li>What strategic calculations underlie Trump&rsquo;s nuclear ultimatum and military maneuvers in the region?</li> <li>How likely are Russia or China to intervene or influence the U.S.-Iran standoff?</li> <li>What are the implications of Civil Contract’s municipal setbacks for 2026 parliamentary elections?</li> <li>Was the MFA’s statement about Artsakh a factual correction or an attempt to rewrite history?</li> <li>What does Aliyev’s continued aggression signal, despite Armenia’s acceptance of a “peace” document?</li> <li>Is Armenia rushing to rewrite its constitution to appease Aliyev or to secure reelection for Pashinyan?</li> <li>How does the targeting of Artsakh refugees and diminishing aid tie into domestic political strategies?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources"><strong>Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</strong></h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://eadaily.com/en/news/2025/04/02/iran-closes-airspace-and-brings-the-army-to-full-combat-readiness-mehr">Iran closes airspace, raises combat readiness</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202504/1331388.shtml">China backs diplomacy, Global Times coverage</a></li> <li><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/07/politics/trump-us-iran-talks/index.html">Trump: US and Iran in direct talks</a></li> <li><a href="https://x.com/araghchi/status/1909381747709546786">Araghchi tweet confirming Iran&rsquo;s stance</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/02/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-restores-maximum-pressure-on-iran/">Trump administration fact sheet on Iran</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/russian-chinese-foreign-ministers-discuss-irans-nuclear-program-korea-russia-2025-04-01/">Russia-China foreign ministers on Iran &amp; Korea</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20x7z36d56o">Gyumri-Parakar election results</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.balcanicaucaso.org/eng/Areas/Armenia/Pashinyan-faces-Gyumri-setback-as-opposition-eyes-2026-election-237167">Opposition eyes 2026 elections post-Gyumri</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33376198.html">RFE/RL on Artsakh blame controversy</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33376316.html">Constitutional changes &amp; shooting incidents</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33376399.html">Pashinyan on fast-tracking constitutional reform</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/423">Previous conversation with Benyamin Poghosyan – Ep 423</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.commonspace.eu/news/statement-armenia-azerbaijan-political-dialogue-platform">Political Dialogue Statement: Armenia-Azerbaijan</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/426-benyamin-poghosyan-usa-iran-escalation-aftermath-of-gyumri-and-parakar-elections-armenia-mfa-blames-artsakh-leadership-negotiations-with-azerbaijan/Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:04:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/426-benyamin-poghosyan-usa-iran-escalation-aftermath-of-gyumri-and-parakar-elections-armenia-mfa-blames-artsakh-leadership-negotiations-with-azerbaijan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>US Iran Escalation. Aftermath of Gyumri and Parakar. MFA blames Artsakh for Regional Isolation. Bullets and Peace.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/426/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/425-arthur-khachatryan-iran-usa-armenia-fake-peace-gyumri-parakar-municipal-elections/Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/425-arthur-khachatryan-iran-usa-armenia-fake-peace-gyumri-parakar-municipal-elections/<h1 id="main-topics-addressed"><strong>Main Topics Addressed</strong></h1> <ul> <li>Iran&rsquo;s rejection of U.S. offers for direct nuclear talks and its implications for Armenia.</li> <li>Strategic implications of Armenia&rsquo;s shift toward the EU, and its potential impact on ties with Iran and regional security.</li> <li>Local elections in Gyumri and Parakar, and their national political significance.</li> <li>Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) refugee protests in Yerevan over unmet social and political demands.</li> <li>Analysis of the so-called “peace process” between Armenia and Azerbaijan.</li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h1> <ul> <li>What are the regional consequences of Iran refusing direct U.S. negotiations but staying open to indirect talks?</li> <li>Could Armenia realistically pursue a military or political alliance with Iran? What are the trade-offs?</li> <li>How do the results of the Gyumri and Parakar municipal elections reflect shifts in Armenian political sentiment?</li> <li>What does the Armenian government&rsquo;s lack of response to Artsakh refugees suggest about its policy priorities?</li> <li>Is the Pashinyan administration’s proclaimed “peace deal” with Azerbaijan genuine or a political façade?</li> <li>What would a just and sustainable peace in the South Caucasus actually require?</li> </ul> <h1 id="thoughts-from-the-participants"><strong>Thoughts from the Participants</strong></h1> <ul> <li><strong>Hovik</strong>: The horror and inhumanity being suffered by the Palestinians in the hands of Israel, and to the cheers and encouragement of Western leaders.</li> <li><strong>Arthur</strong>: A fair peace can only be achieved with the interests of both sides taken into account. With the current government’s attitude, the only peace will be in the cemetery. <ul> <li>Book on Artsakh Negotiations Volume 1 out!</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="referenced-articles--sources"><strong>Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</strong></h1> <ul> <li>Politico – <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/30/trump-threatens-bomb-iran-00259786">Trump threatens to bomb Iran</a></li> <li>RFE/RL – <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33343087.html">Iran’s diplomatic visit to Yerevan</a></li> <li>X (Ali Tahmizian) – <a href="https://x.com/AliTahmizian/status/1899768799991042265">Commentary on Armenia-Iran relations</a></li> <li>Panorama – <a href="https://panorama.am/en/news/2025/03/31/Parakar-elections/3127988">Parakar elections results</a></li> <li>1Lurer – <a href="https://www.1lurer.am/en/2025/03/31/Preliminary-results-of-Gyumri-City-Council-election/1288782">Gyumri election preliminary results</a></li> <li>Facebook (Hayakve) – <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayaqve/posts/pfbid02RSkp78Sd1b5JRmZH8YeCSy6DVrQzopq7VQD1pXpu6eFpiD4WYGy8QV1NPTPJv7Usl">Gyumri post-election commentary</a></li> <li>RFE/RL – <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33363285.html">Arrests and political pressure during elections</a></li> <li>ArmRadio – <a href="https://en.armradio.am/2025/03/31/civil-contract-will-not-have-a-mayor-in-gyumri-martun-grigoryan-says/">Artsakh refugee protests</a></li> <li>RFE/RL – <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33364015.html">“Peace” deal analysis</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/425-arthur-khachatryan-iran-usa-armenia-fake-peace-gyumri-parakar-municipal-elections/Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/425-arthur-khachatryan-iran-usa-armenia-fake-peace-gyumri-parakar-municipal-elections/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Iran Rejects US Offer of Direct Negotiations. Iran and Armenia Ties. Gyumri and Parakar Municipal Elections. Artsakh Refugee Protests in Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/425/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/424-dziunik-aghajanian-middle-east-tensions-iran-strategy-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-talks-russia-eu-pivot-turkey-unrest-pows-gyumri-elections/Wed, 26 Mar 2025 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/424-dziunik-aghajanian-middle-east-tensions-iran-strategy-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-talks-russia-eu-pivot-turkey-unrest-pows-gyumri-elections/<p>In this episode of the <em>Groong Week in Review</em>, we sit down with former Armenian diplomat <strong>Dziunik Aghajanian</strong> to analyze recent developments in and around Armenia. We discuss escalating tensions in the Middle East, the implications of Trump’s outreach to Iran, Azerbaijan’s stalled peace process with Armenia, and the geopolitical games being played by Turkey and Azerbaijan. We also touch upon Armenia’s delicate balancing act between Russia and the West and explore the role of the Armenian diaspora in advocating for the release of Armenian POWs held by Azerbaijan. Finally, we delve into the upcoming Gyumri municipal elections and their broader implications.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/424-dziunik-aghajanian-middle-east-tensions-iran-strategy-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-talks-russia-eu-pivot-turkey-unrest-pows-gyumri-elections/Wed, 26 Mar 2025 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/424-dziunik-aghajanian-middle-east-tensions-iran-strategy-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-talks-russia-eu-pivot-turkey-unrest-pows-gyumri-elections/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of the Groong Week in Review, we sit down with former Armenian diplomat Dziunik Aghajanian to analyze recent developments in and around Armenia. We discuss escalating tensions in the Middle East, the implications of Trump’s outreach to Iran, Azerbaijan’s stalled peace process with Armenia, and the geopolitical games being played by Turkey and Azerbaijan. We also touch upon Armenia’s delicate balancing act between Russia and the West and explore the role of the Armenian diaspora in advocating for the release of Armenian POWs held by Azerbaijan. Finally, we delve into the upcoming Gyumri municipal elections and their broader implications.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/423-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-treaty-capitulation-ukraine-war-trump-putin-talks-witkoff-baku-israel-iran-geopolitics/Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:04:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/423-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-treaty-capitulation-ukraine-war-trump-putin-talks-witkoff-baku-israel-iran-geopolitics/<h2 id="topics-covered"><strong>Topics Covered</strong></h2> <h3 id="1-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-agreement-concessions-or-capitulation"><strong>1. Armenia-Azerbaijan “Peace” Agreement: Concessions or Capitulation?</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Background</strong>: Since the November 9-10, 2020 ceasefire statement, Azerbaijan has dictated terms to Armenia, often using military force or threats. The latest development is the March 13 announcement of a finalized <strong>peace agreement</strong>, though many in Armenia see it as a <strong>capitulation</strong>.</li> <li><strong>The Announcement</strong>: Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov announced on March 13 that the <strong>text of the agreement</strong> was finalized. Armenia confirmed it later, claiming the announcement was supposed to be joint.</li> <li><strong>Lack of Transparency</strong>: The treaty text remains undisclosed to the public, prompting Armenian opposition groups to label it a <strong>surrender document</strong>.</li> </ul> <h3 id="2-azerbaijans-preconditions-and-threats-of-military-force"><strong>2. Azerbaijan’s Preconditions and Threats of Military Force</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Unilateral Demands</strong>: Azerbaijan has attached preconditions before signing the treaty, including: <ul> <li><strong>Dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group</strong>, effectively erasing Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) from international negotiations.</li> <li><strong>Constitutional changes in Armenia</strong>, removing references to the Armenian Genocide and Artsakh.</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Ramping Up Ceasefire Accusations</strong>: Following the treaty announcement, Azerbaijan has escalated claims of <strong>Armenian ceasefire violations</strong>, issuing <strong>three accusations on March 16 and three more on March 17</strong>.</li> <li><strong>What This Means</strong>: These demands and escalations indicate that <strong>Azerbaijan may not intend to sign the agreement soon</strong>, instead using delays as leverage for further concessions.</li> </ul> <h3 id="3-the-ukraine-war-and-trump-putin-negotiations"><strong>3. The Ukraine War and Trump-Putin Negotiations</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Jeddah Ceasefire Talks</strong>: Ukraine and Russia held peace negotiations in Jeddah last week.</li> <li><strong>Largest Ever UAV Attack</strong>: The talks were overshadowed by <strong>Ukraine’s biggest drone attack on Russian cities</strong>, increasing tensions.</li> <li><strong>Steve Witkoff’s Moscow Visit</strong>: U.S. Special Envoy <strong>Steve Witkoff</strong> met <strong>Putin</strong> following the Jeddah talks.</li> <li><strong>Ceasefire Proposal</strong>: Putin did not immediately accept a ceasefire but left room for further <strong>negotiations</strong>.</li> <li><strong>Trump-Putin Call Scheduled for March 18</strong>: A pivotal phone call is set between <strong>Trump and Putin</strong>, reportedly to discuss land divisions and control over key <strong>power plants</strong>.</li> </ul> <h3 id="4-europes-escalation-and-militarization"><strong>4. Europe’s Escalation and Militarization</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>France &amp; UK’s Position</strong>: European rhetoric against Russia is hardening, with talk of rearmament.</li> <li><strong>Military Build-up</strong>: Germany is considering converting <strong>Volkswagen factories into tank production facilities</strong>.</li> <li><strong>UK’s Ground Troops Proposal</strong>: The UK has hinted at sending <strong>ground troops to Ukraine</strong>, further raising tensions.</li> </ul> <h3 id="5-the-curious-witkoff-stopover-in-baku"><strong>5. The Curious Witkoff Stopover in Baku</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Unusual Visit</strong>: On his way back from Moscow, Witkoff made an <strong>unpublicized stop in Baku</strong>.</li> <li><strong>Speculation on Israel &amp; Iran</strong>: <ul> <li><strong>Azerbaijan-Israel ties</strong> are deepening, with reports that <strong>Azerbaijan’s state oil company, SOCAR, has entered a deal for Israeli gas fields</strong>.</li> <li>Discussions may have included <strong>potential Azerbaijani involvement in a future conflict with Iran</strong>.</li> <li>Some sources speculate that <strong>Azerbaijan might be pushed to join the Abraham Accords</strong>, normalizing ties with Israel and Saudi Arabia.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h2> <h3 id="armenia-azerbaijan-peace-agreement--concessions"><strong>Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Agreement &amp; Concessions</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Is this a genuine step toward peace, or a forced capitulation?</strong></li> <li><strong>Why is the agreement text hidden from the Armenian public?</strong></li> <li><strong>What are the risks of signing an agreement with undisclosed terms?</strong></li> <li><strong>Has Pashinyan agreed to deliverables that aren’t in the document?</strong></li> <li><strong>Are Azerbaijan’s preconditions a stalling tactic to delay signing while extracting more concessions?</strong></li> </ul> <h3 id="ukraine-war--global-geopolitics"><strong>Ukraine War &amp; Global Geopolitics</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>What was the outcome of the Jeddah negotiations?</strong></li> <li><strong>How does the Ukraine war impact the South Caucasus?</strong></li> <li><strong>Will Trump’s direct negotiations with Putin lead to a breakthrough?</strong></li> <li><strong>What does European militarization mean for the future of the conflict?</strong></li> </ul> <h3 id="witkoffs-visit--bakus-role-in-global-affairs"><strong>Witkoff’s Visit &amp; Baku’s Role in Global Affairs</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Why would Steve Witkoff visit Baku after Moscow?</strong></li> <li><strong>Could this be related to Azerbaijan-Israel cooperation?</strong></li> <li><strong>Is Azerbaijan preparing for involvement in a broader Middle East conflict?</strong></li> <li><strong>How does Baku’s strategic position influence global diplomacy?</strong></li> </ul> <h2 id="links-referenced-during-the-show"><strong>Links Referenced During The Show</strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://armenianweekly.com/2025/03/14/opposition-warns-against-capitulation-as-armenia-and-azerbaijan-finalize-text-of-treaty/">Armenian Weekly - Treaty Announcement</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="https://oc-media.org/what-happened-between-armenia-and-azerbaijan-last-week/">OC Media - Ceasefire Accusations</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/azerbaijan-accused-armenia-of-shelling-yerevan-1742132212.html">RBC Ukraine - Azerbaijan Accuses Armenia of Ceasefire Violations</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.wsj.com/world/trump-says-he-will-talk-with-putin-tuesday-on-ending-ukraine-war-2f4ed5e4/">Wall Street Journal - Trump-Putin Call Announcement</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-765432">Jerusalem Post - Azerbaijan &amp; Israel’s Gas Deal</a></strong></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/423-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-treaty-capitulation-ukraine-war-trump-putin-talks-witkoff-baku-israel-iran-geopolitics/Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:04:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/423-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-treaty-capitulation-ukraine-war-trump-putin-talks-witkoff-baku-israel-iran-geopolitics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia-Azerbaijan &ldquo;Treaty&rdquo;: Concessions, secrecy, opposition backlash. Preconditions for Peace: OSCE Minsk dissolution, constitutional changes. Ukraine War Talks: Jeddah negotiations, UAV attacks, Trump-Putin call. Witkoff’s Baku Stop: Mysterious visit raising geopolitical questions.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/423/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/421-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-news-artsakh-abkhazia-elections-armenian-pows-yerevan-protests-azerbaijan-armenia-azerbaijan-relations-stalled-peace-talks-opposition-infighting-badra-gunba-adgur-ardzinba-baku-trials/Wed, 05 Mar 2025 08:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/421-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-news-artsakh-abkhazia-elections-armenian-pows-yerevan-protests-azerbaijan-armenia-azerbaijan-relations-stalled-peace-talks-opposition-infighting-badra-gunba-adgur-ardzinba-baku-trials/<p>In this episode, we discuss the latest developments in Abkhazia’s presidential elections, the ongoing plight of Armenian hostages in Baku, and the protests in Yerevan calling for stronger government action. We also cover the stalled Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiations and deepening divisions within Armenia’s opposition.</p> <hr> <h2 id="topics-covered">Topics Covered</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Abkhaz Elections &amp; Regional Implications</strong> – The impact of mass protests, Badra Gunba’s victory, and its geopolitical consequences.</li> <li><strong>Armenian Hostages in Baku</strong> – Reports of torture, Ruben Vardanyan’s hunger strike, and shifting Armenian government rhetoric.</li> <li><strong>Protests in Yerevan Over POWs</strong> – Civil society-led demonstrations demanding stronger action and international intervention.</li> <li><strong>Azerbaijan Rejects Armenia’s Proposals</strong> – The stalled peace negotiations and whether Ukraine-Russia diplomacy plays a role.</li> <li><strong>Opposition Infighting</strong> – Escalating tensions among Armenian opposition factions following Robert Kocharyan’s latest remarks.</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ol> <li>What were the key issues at stake in the Abkhaz elections, and what do the results mean for Russia’s influence?</li> <li>How significant are the protests in Yerevan? Do they reflect a shift in public sentiment or political calculations?</li> <li>Why is the Armenian government changing its approach on Armenian hostages in Azerbaijan?</li> <li>What is the right strategy for securing the release of Armenian POWs?</li> <li>Why did Azerbaijan reject Armenia’s latest railway corridor proposal? Is the broader geopolitical context playing a role?</li> <li>What is fueling the growing divisions in the Armenian opposition, and what does it mean for 2026 elections?</li> </ol> <hr> <h2 id="links-referenced-during-the-show">Links Referenced During The Show</h2> <h3 id="abkhaz-elections">Abkhaz Elections</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.voanews.com/a/abkhazia-s-acting-leader-wins-presidential-election-state-media-say/7994512.html">VOA: Abkhazia’s Acting Leader Wins Presidential Election</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="armenian-hostages--yerevan-protests">Armenian Hostages &amp; Yerevan Protests</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://jam-news.net/freedom-for-ruben-vardanyan-and-others-protests-in-armenia/">Jam News: Protests in Armenia for Ruben Vardanyan and POWs</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2025/02/28/International-community-call/3120130">Panorama: International Call for Medical Examination of Armenian Hostages</a></li> <li><a href="https://arka.am/en/news/politics/mfa-azerbaijan-uses-staged-trial-of-armenians-as-instrument-of-political-pressure-on-armenia/">ARKA: Armenian MFA Condemns Azerbaijani Trials as Political Pressure</a></li> <li><a href="https://asbarez.com/reports-of-beatings-failing-health-prompt-appeal-for-intervention-in-ruben-vardanyans-case/">Asbarez: Beatings and Failing Health in Baku’s Prisons</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="azerbaijan-rejects-armenias-proposal">Azerbaijan Rejects Armenia’s Proposal</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1210864">Armenpress: Azerbaijan Rejects Railway Proposal</a></li> <li><a href="https://jam-news.net/nikol-pashinyans-statements-on-arms-control-not-up-for-discussion-azerbaijani-experts-on-armenian-pms-remarks/">Jam News: Pashinyan’s Statements on Arms Control Rejected by Azerbaijan</a></li> <li><a href="https://168.am/2025/02/27/2174940.html">168.am: Analysis of Stalled Armenia-Azerbaijan Talks</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="opposition-infighting">Opposition Infighting</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/armen.ashotyan/posts/pfbid0Wu7o9W6f7utCKvK3DZb8Jak4bdumgKpkb4zSWSsqB8K1E8YJHM8gbBfbr8qyPHDl">Facebook: Armen Ashotyan on Opposition Divisions</a></li> <li><a href="https://youtu.be/NdOIQTMHh9g">YouTube: Kocharyan’s Press Conference on Opposition Unity</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="sumgait-pogroms-anniversary">Sumgait Pogroms Anniversary</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://arka.am/en/news/politics/on-sumgait-pogroms-anniversary-armenian-foreign-ministry-calls-for-overcoming-enmity-to-prevent-repe/">ARKA: Armenian MFA Statement on Sumgait &amp; Ethnic Cleansing</a></li> <li><a href="https://asbarez.com/yerevan-said-bakus-state-sponsored-pogroms-continued-to-2023/">Asbarez: State-Sponsored Violence from Sumgait to 2023</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/421-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-news-artsakh-abkhazia-elections-armenian-pows-yerevan-protests-azerbaijan-armenia-azerbaijan-relations-stalled-peace-talks-opposition-infighting-badra-gunba-adgur-ardzinba-baku-trials/Wed, 05 Mar 2025 08:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/421-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-news-artsakh-abkhazia-elections-armenian-pows-yerevan-protests-azerbaijan-armenia-azerbaijan-relations-stalled-peace-talks-opposition-infighting-badra-gunba-adgur-ardzinba-baku-trials/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode, we discuss the latest developments in Abkhazia’s presidential elections, the ongoing plight of Armenian hostages in Baku, and the protests in Yerevan calling for stronger government action. We also cover the stalled Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiations and deepening divisions within Armenia’s opposition.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/421/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/420-james-carden-pietro-shakarian-us-foreign-policy-trump-cabinet-usaid-reform-us-armenia-geopolitics-intelligence-reform-national-security-ukraine-russia-regime-change/Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:08:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/420-james-carden-pietro-shakarian-us-foreign-policy-trump-cabinet-usaid-reform-us-armenia-geopolitics-intelligence-reform-national-security-ukraine-russia-regime-change/<h2 id="topics-covered">Topics Covered</h2> <ul> <li><strong>US Foreign Policy Under Trump</strong> – The Trump administration&rsquo;s approach to reshaping U.S. foreign policy, including potential reforms or dissolution of USAID and the implications for global NGOs, particularly in Armenia.</li> <li><strong>Transactional Foreign Policy</strong> – Trump&rsquo;s strategic, business-style approach to foreign relations, including proposed deals for Gaza, Ukraine, tariffs, and territorial acquisitions such as Greenland and Panama.</li> <li><strong>Trump’s Cabinet &amp; Policy Shifts</strong> – Analysis of key figures in Trump’s cabinet, such as Tulsi Gabbard, Marco Rubio, and Pete Hegseth, and their expected influence on defense, intelligence, and foreign policy.</li> <li><strong>US-Armenia Relations</strong> – Examination of the US-Armenia &ldquo;strategic partnership&rdquo; agreement, its lack of a defense component, and its implications amid regional tensions involving Iran, Israel, and Azerbaijan.</li> <li><strong>Intelligence and National Security</strong> – The role of intelligence agencies under the Trump administration, potential restructuring, and the balance between national security and government overreach.</li> <li><strong>US-Russia Relations &amp; the Global Order</strong> – How Trump’s engagement with Russia and critiques of the &ldquo;rules-based international order&rdquo; signal a shift towards a multipolar world.</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>What is the future of USAID under Trump, and how does its potential dismantling affect international influence?</li> <li>How does Trump’s transactional foreign policy impact U.S. global standing and alliances?</li> <li>What are the strategic implications of Trump’s cabinet picks, particularly concerning intelligence and defense policies?</li> <li>What does the US-Armenia strategic partnership mean for Armenia’s national security and its positioning in the South Caucasus?</li> <li>How does the U.S.-Russia dynamic evolve under Trump, and what does this mean for global power realignments?</li> <li>What challenges does Armenia face amid growing regional instability, particularly in relation to Iran, Azerbaijan, and Turkey?</li> <li>How is the intelligence community being reshaped, and what are the consequences for surveillance, privacy, and national security?</li> <li>What role does Ukraine play in U.S. strategic calculations, and how does Trump’s approach differ from previous administrations?</li> </ul> <h2 id="links-referenced-during-the-show">Links Referenced During The Show</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Groong Podcast</a></li> <li><a href="https://groong.substack.com/">Groong Substack</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/420-james-carden-pietro-shakarian-us-foreign-policy-trump-cabinet-usaid-reform-us-armenia-geopolitics-intelligence-reform-national-security-ukraine-russia-regime-change/Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:08:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/420-james-carden-pietro-shakarian-us-foreign-policy-trump-cabinet-usaid-reform-us-armenia-geopolitics-intelligence-reform-national-security-ukraine-russia-regime-change/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>US Foreign Policy Under Trump. Transactional Foreign Policy. Trump’s Cabinet &amp; Policy Shifts. US-Armenia Relations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/420/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/419-crimes-hate-tremors-jean-daniel-ruch-diplomacy-geopolitics-war-justice-armenia-artsakh-switzerland-international-law-osce-minsk-group-nagorno-karabakh-icc-war-crimes-middle-east-ukraine-russia-european-union-turkey-azerbaijan/Sun, 02 Mar 2025 04:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/419-crimes-hate-tremors-jean-daniel-ruch-diplomacy-geopolitics-war-justice-armenia-artsakh-switzerland-international-law-osce-minsk-group-nagorno-karabakh-icc-war-crimes-middle-east-ukraine-russia-european-union-turkey-azerbaijan/<p>In this episode, we sit down with <strong>Ambassador Jean-Daniel Ruch</strong>, a former Swiss diplomat and author of <em>Crimes, Hate, and Tremors</em>, to discuss <strong>global power shifts, diplomacy, and international justice</strong>. Our conversation explores the <strong>fallout from his resignation, the impact of US hegemony, Western democracy promotion, and the role of international justice in conflicts like Ukraine and Armenia.</strong></p> <p>🔹 <strong>What led Ruch to write <em>Crimes, Hate, and Tremors</em>?</strong> 🔹 <strong>What do global shifts mean for smaller nations like Armenia and Switzerland?</strong> 🔹 <strong>How do international courts serve geopolitics rather than justice?</strong> 🔹 <strong>What happened behind the scenes of Ruch’s resignation?</strong></p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/419-crimes-hate-tremors-jean-daniel-ruch-diplomacy-geopolitics-war-justice-armenia-artsakh-switzerland-international-law-osce-minsk-group-nagorno-karabakh-icc-war-crimes-middle-east-ukraine-russia-european-union-turkey-azerbaijan/Sun, 02 Mar 2025 04:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/419-crimes-hate-tremors-jean-daniel-ruch-diplomacy-geopolitics-war-justice-armenia-artsakh-switzerland-international-law-osce-minsk-group-nagorno-karabakh-icc-war-crimes-middle-east-ukraine-russia-european-union-turkey-azerbaijan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode, we sit down with Ambassador Jean-Daniel Ruch, a former Swiss diplomat and author of Crimes, Hate, and Tremors, to discuss global power shifts, diplomacy, and international justice. Our conversation explores the fallout from his resignation, the impact of US hegemony, Western democracy promotion, and the role of international justice in conflicts like Ukraine and Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/419/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/418-arthur-martirosyan-kocharyan-press-conf-ukraine-negotiations-riyadh-edgar-ghazaryan-bullied-yerevan-bus-fares/Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:20:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/418-arthur-martirosyan-kocharyan-press-conf-ukraine-negotiations-riyadh-edgar-ghazaryan-bullied-yerevan-bus-fares/<h1 id="-armenian-news-network--groong">🇦🇲 Armenian News Network / Groong</h1> <h2 id="week-in-review--episode-418"><strong>Week in Review – Episode 418</strong></h2> <p>📅 <strong>Recorded:</strong> February 24, 2025<br> 🎙 <strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a><br> 🎙 <strong>Guest:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/amartirosyan">Arthur G. Martirosyan</a> (International Conflict Specialist, CM Partners)</p> <hr> <h2 id="-main-topics-addressed"><strong>📌 Main Topics Addressed</strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong>Ukraine Negotiations in Riyadh</strong> – The evolving geopolitical situation as Trump engages in direct negotiations with Russia while sidelining Ukraine and Europe.</li> <li><strong>Edgar Ghazaryan Harassed by the Government</strong> – The Armenian government escalates its crackdown on opposition voices with criminal charges against Ghazaryan, including travel restrictions and speech limitations.</li> <li><strong>Robert Kocharyan’s Press Conference</strong> – Key takeaways from the former Armenian president’s four-hour press conference, including his stance on Artsakh, negotiations with Azerbaijan, and Russia’s role.</li> <li><strong>Yerevan Bus Fare Controversy</strong> – Public outcry over radical increases in public transportation fares and how opposition figures are leveraging the discontent.</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="-key-questions-discussed"><strong>🔍 Key Questions Discussed</strong></h2> <h3 id="ukraine-negotiations-in-riyadh"><strong>Ukraine Negotiations in Riyadh</strong></h3> <ul> <li>What accounts for the dramatic change in Trump’s rhetoric towards Ukraine?</li> <li>What are Trump’s negotiating positions regarding Russia, Ukraine, and Europe?</li> <li>What are Russia’s red lines in the negotiation process?</li> <li>Why is the EU hesitant to push for peace?</li> <li>Can Turkey act as a security guarantor for Ukraine?</li> </ul> <h3 id="edgar-ghazaryans-case"><strong>Edgar Ghazaryan’s Case</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Why is the Armenian government cracking down on opposition speech now?</li> <li>What are the legal and political implications of restricting opposition voices?</li> </ul> <h3 id="robert-kocharyans-political-strategy"><strong>Robert Kocharyan’s Political Strategy</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Is Kocharyan signaling to Russia that he would reverse Armenia’s current negotiation strategy if he were to return to power?</li> <li>How does Kocharyan’s stance on the November 2020 agreement contrast with the current Armenian government’s position?</li> </ul> <h3 id="iran-russia-and-the"><strong>Iran, Russia, and the &ldquo;Zangezur Corridor&rdquo;</strong></h3> <ul> <li>What are the fundamental differences between Iran and Russia regarding the corridor?</li> <li>Could Kocharyan’s policies align Russia and Iran more closely on this issue?</li> </ul> <h3 id="yerevan-bus-fare-protests"><strong>Yerevan Bus Fare Protests</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Can the discontent over public transportation costs evolve into a larger anti-government movement?</li> <li>How is the opposition engaging with these protests?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="-referenced-articles--sources"><strong>🔗 Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</strong></h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/414">Groong Podcast Episode 414</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/02/24/7499776/">Ukraine Negotiations Coverage – Pravda</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-open-act-security-guarantor-ukraine-peace-agreement">Middle East Eye on Turkey’s Role in Ukraine</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/23/israel-wont-allow-syria-military-forces-south-of-damascus-netanyahu">Al Jazeera on Israel’s Position in Syria</a></li> <li><a href="https://panarmenian.net/eng/news/319660">Armenian Government’s Case Against Ghazaryan</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.arlis.am/documentview.aspx?docid=153080">Armenian Legislation Reference (Article 490)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33290645.html">Kocharyan’s Press Conference Highlights</a></li> <li><a href="https://168.am/2025/02/17/2169322.html">Zangezur Corridor Debate – 168.am</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33317884.html">Yerevan Bus Fare Protests – Azatutyun</a></li> </ul> <hr> <p>📢 <strong>Listen to the full episode:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/418">https://podcasts.groong.org/418</a></p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/418-arthur-martirosyan-kocharyan-press-conf-ukraine-negotiations-riyadh-edgar-ghazaryan-bullied-yerevan-bus-fares/Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:20:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/418-arthur-martirosyan-kocharyan-press-conf-ukraine-negotiations-riyadh-edgar-ghazaryan-bullied-yerevan-bus-fares/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Ukraine Negotiations in Riyadh. Edgar Ghazayan Bullied by the Government. Robert Kocharyan Press Conference. Yerevan Bus Fares.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/418/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/417-hrant-mikaelian-review-of-the-armenian-economy-in-2024/Sat, 22 Feb 2025 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/417-hrant-mikaelian-review-of-the-armenian-economy-in-2024/<p><strong>Summary</strong><br> In this episode of <em>Conversations on Groong</em> (Ep‑417), we discuss the latest MPG Poll results, covering public opinion on Armenia’s direction, key domestic issues, EU accession, and electoral choices, followed by an in‑depth review of the 2024 economy and prospects and risks for 2025.</p> <p><strong>Topics Covered</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>MPG Poll Results</strong><br> • Poll Methodology: Telephone survey of 1,100 Armenians (3% sampling error)<br> • Overall sentiment: Is Armenia moving in the right or wrong direction?<br> • Top issues facing Armenia today (security, economy, governance)<br> • Reactions to the January 9 draft law on launching Armenia’s EU accession process<br> • Beliefs about Armenia joining the EU within the next 10 years<br> • Views on the strategic partnership between the US and Armenia<br> • Awareness of new income declaration and tax return requirements by May 1, 2025<br> • The trial of the Artsakh military-political leadership in Baku and government efforts to secure the return of hostages<br> • Electoral preferences if parliamentary elections were held next Sunday</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/417-hrant-mikaelian-review-of-the-armenian-economy-in-2024/Sat, 22 Feb 2025 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/417-hrant-mikaelian-review-of-the-armenian-economy-in-2024/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Summary In this episode of Conversations on Groong (Ep‑417), we discuss the latest MPG Poll results, covering public opinion on Armenia’s direction, key domestic issues, EU accession, and electoral choices, followed by an in‑depth review of the 2024 economy and prospects and risks for 2025.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/417/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/416-dziunik-aghajanian-peace-plan-2019-corridor-talk-armenia-domestic-politics-world-politics/Wed, 19 Feb 2025 03:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/416-dziunik-aghajanian-peace-plan-2019-corridor-talk-armenia-domestic-politics-world-politics/<h2 id="topics-covered"><strong>Topics Covered</strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong>Plan, or No Plan?</strong> - Pashinyan’s acknowledgment of the 2019 OSCE MG peace plan and its implications for Armenia’s geopolitical strategy.</li> <li><strong>Corridor Talk</strong> - Armenia-Azerbaijan transit negotiations, Azerbaijan&rsquo;s expectations, and Armenia&rsquo;s stance on the corridor.</li> <li><strong>Domestic Politics</strong> - Robert Kocharyan’s press conference, his political future, and potential opposition movements.</li> <li><strong>World Politics</strong> - US-Russia relations, shifts in NATO strategies, European reactions, and diplomatic consequences.</li> <li><strong>Middle East Developments</strong> - Trump’s controversial Gaza proposal, renewed sanctions on Iran, and regional realignments.</li> <li><strong>Russia-Azerbaijan Relations</strong> - Diplomatic and economic tensions, Moscow’s response to Aliyev’s moves, and possible retaliatory measures.</li> <li><strong>Economic Pressures</strong> - The impact of regional instability on Armenia&rsquo;s economy, trade relations, and foreign investments.</li> <li><strong>Global Military Realignments</strong> - Shifts in defense policies, emerging military alliances, and strategic positioning.</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h2> <h3 id="plan-or-no-plan"><strong>Plan, or No Plan?</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Why did Pashinyan acknowledge the 2019 peace plan now?</li> <li>How does the 2019 proposal compare to the current situation for Artsakh Armenians?</li> <li>Why did Pashinyan refuse to continue negotiations under the OSCE framework?</li> <li>What political ramifications does this shift bring for Armenia and its regional allies?</li> <li>How does this impact Armenia&rsquo;s negotiating power?</li> </ul> <h3 id="corridor-talk"><strong>Corridor Talk</strong></h3> <ul> <li>What does the Armenian government’s contradictory stance on the ‘Zangezur corridor’ suggest?</li> <li>If Azerbaijan is being granted &ldquo;unhindered transit,&rdquo; why is there no peace treaty yet?</li> <li>How do international stakeholders view the corridor negotiations?</li> <li>What are the potential consequences for Armenia’s sovereignty?</li> <li>Can alternative diplomatic solutions be proposed?</li> </ul> <h3 id="domestic-politics"><strong>Domestic Politics</strong></h3> <ul> <li>What were the key takeaways from Robert Kocharyan’s press conference?</li> <li>Is this the start of a political comeback for the former president?</li> <li>How might Russia and Iran signal their support for Armenian opposition forces?</li> <li>How has public sentiment shifted in response to Kocharyan’s statements?</li> <li>What does this mean for upcoming parliamentary elections?</li> </ul> <h3 id="world-politics"><strong>World Politics</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Is Trump pursuing transactional diplomacy or rethinking US-Russia relations?</li> <li>Could European NATO allies realistically increase their defense budgets?</li> <li>Is the EU at a crossroads given the geopolitical shifts?</li> <li>How does the US, Russia, and China dynamic affect global stability?</li> <li>What are the long-term security consequences of these developments?</li> </ul> <h3 id="middle-east"><strong>Middle East</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Will Jordan and Egypt support Trump’s Gaza ‘Riviera’ proposal?</li> <li>What does the return of &ldquo;maximum pressure&rdquo; on Iran mean for regional stability?</li> <li>How does Turkey&rsquo;s involvement in Syria influence Middle Eastern politics?</li> <li>What is the likelihood of renewed conflict escalation in the region?</li> <li>How does Israel&rsquo;s strategic positioning play into these developments?</li> </ul> <h3 id="russia-azerbaijan-relations"><strong>Russia-Azerbaijan Relations</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Is the worsening Moscow-Baku relationship about the AZAL flight crash, or are there deeper geopolitical factors?</li> <li>How do Azerbaijan&rsquo;s recent political maneuvers affect its standing with Russia?</li> <li>Could Russia impose economic sanctions or military deterrents against Azerbaijan?</li> <li>What role does Iran play in shifting Russia-Azerbaijan dynamics?</li> <li>How could these developments impact Armenia&rsquo;s regional position?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="links-referenced-during-the-show"><strong>Links Referenced During The Show</strong></h2> <h3 id="us-russia-relations"><strong>US-Russia Relations:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://youtu.be/rcxt2-JQMTE?t=2380">Hegseth NATO Speech</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCOsgfINdKg">JD Vance at Munich Security Conference</a></li> <li><a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113991956474899296">Trump-Putin Truth Social Post</a></li> <li><a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113992264519415084">Trump-Zelensky Truth Social Post</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="middle-east--iran"><strong>Middle East &amp; Iran:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.outlookbusiness.com/economy-and-policy/trump-ends-sanctions-waivers-on-chabahar-port-ahead-of-pm-modis-us-trip-whats-the-impact-on-india">Trump Ends Sanctions Waivers on Chabahar Port</a></li> <li><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/16/world/video/marco-rubio-iran-threat-jerusalem-press-conference-digvid">Marco Rubio on Iran at Jerusalem Press Conference</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="armenia--azerbaijan"><strong>Armenia &amp; Azerbaijan:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33313937.html">Pashinyan’s 2019 Peace Plan Acknowledgment</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thecaliforniacourier.com/moscow-cracks-down-on-azerbaijani-migrants-after-rift-with-baku/">Russia Tightens Immigration Controls on Azerbaijanis</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.intellinews.com/caucasus-blog-is-it-the-end-of-the-honeymoon-between-azerbaijan-and-russia-363926">End of the Russia-Azerbaijan Honeymoon?</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.geopoliticaleconomy.com/articles/iran-armenia-strategic-alliance">Iran-Armenia Relations Analysis</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="internal-politics"><strong>Internal Politics:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP1M--C32ZU">Robert Kocharyan’s Press Conference</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.politico.com/armenia-political-landscape-2025">Public Sentiment on Armenian Political Landscape</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/416-dziunik-aghajanian-peace-plan-2019-corridor-talk-armenia-domestic-politics-world-politics/Wed, 19 Feb 2025 03:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/416-dziunik-aghajanian-peace-plan-2019-corridor-talk-armenia-domestic-politics-world-politics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>World Politics. Plan, or No Plan? Corridor Talk. Domestic Politics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/416/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/414-fyodor-lukyanov-russia-us-geopolitics-ukraine-war-armenia-policy-brics-nato-multipolarity-eurasia-global-order/Sun, 16 Feb 2025 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/414-fyodor-lukyanov-russia-us-geopolitics-ukraine-war-armenia-policy-brics-nato-multipolarity-eurasia-global-order/<h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li> <p><strong>A New Détente? Russia-US relations and evolving global dynamics</strong><br> Do the recent shifts in US foreign policy, particularly under the Trump administration, indicate a move toward a new détente between Washington and Moscow? Lukyanov analyzed the broader geopolitical landscape, including US domestic politics, NATO’s role, and how different power centers perceive the idea of global stability.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>The Trump-Putin Call and its implications for Ukraine</strong><br> During the highly anticipated Trump-Putin phone call key US policy positions on Ukraine were subtly adjusted. Trump’s remarks on Ukraine’s NATO prospects, the feasibility of a negotiated settlement, and whether Russia perceives this as a sincere effort toward peace or merely a political maneuver. Also, the possibility of sanctions relief and the role of European actors in any future negotiations.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/414-fyodor-lukyanov-russia-us-geopolitics-ukraine-war-armenia-policy-brics-nato-multipolarity-eurasia-global-order/Sun, 16 Feb 2025 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/414-fyodor-lukyanov-russia-us-geopolitics-ukraine-war-armenia-policy-brics-nato-multipolarity-eurasia-global-order/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>A New Détente? The Trump-Putin Call. Russia’s Strategic Choices. Russo-Armenian Relations. Russo-Azerbaijani Relations. Georgia’s Pragmatism.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/414/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20250216-transcript-414-fyodor-lukyanov-russia-us-geopolitics-ukraine-war-armenia-policy-brics-nato-multipolarity-eurasia-global-order/Sun, 16 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20250216-transcript-414-fyodor-lukyanov-russia-us-geopolitics-ukraine-war-armenia-policy-brics-nato-multipolarity-eurasia-global-order/<h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/414/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Fyodor Lukyanov - Russia, the US, Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia, and the New Global Order | Ep 414, Feb. 16, 2025</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong - February 16, 2025</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2025-02-16</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 414</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/414">https://podcasts.groong.org/414</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/55f4iBCIAGY">https://youtu.be/55f4iBCIAGY</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/flukyanov">Fyodor Lukyanov</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/flukyanov">Fyodor Lukyanov</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/413-anna-karapetyan-pashinyan-in-dc-trump-sanctions-icc-azerbaijan-diplomacy-worker-strike-at-mining-company/Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:10:36 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/413-anna-karapetyan-pashinyan-in-dc-trump-sanctions-icc-azerbaijan-diplomacy-worker-strike-at-mining-company/<h2 id="main-topics-addressed"><strong>Main Topics Addressed</strong></h2> <h3 id="pashinyan-in-dc"><strong>Pashinyan in DC</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Pashinyan’s trip to Washington was more about securing a photo op with U.S. officials than achieving concrete outcomes.</li> <li>His speech at the Atlantic Council and the meeting with Armenian-Americans in Washington.</li> <li>Pashinyan’s new discourse about Armenia&rsquo;s future development and relations with the diaspora.</li> </ul> <h3 id="trump-sanctions-the-icc"><strong>Trump Sanctions the ICC</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Trump sanctioned the International Criminal Court (ICC), which Armenia had joined in the hopes of prosecuting Aliyev.</li> <li>Armenia’s willingness to withdraw criminal cases against Azerbaijan upon a peace agreement.</li> <li>Luis Moreno Ocampo&rsquo;s backlash on Armenia&rsquo;s stance regarding ICC investigations into crimes against Armenians.</li> </ul> <h3 id="azerbaijani-diplomacy-in-action"><strong>Azerbaijani Diplomacy in Action</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Hikmet Hajiyev’s visit to Tehran, with the focus on the Zangezur Corridor and Iran’s opposition to it.</li> <li>Azerbaijan expelling Russia&rsquo;s <em>Rossotrudnichestvo</em> and escalating tensions with Russia.</li> <li>Armenia’s role in navigating tensions between Azerbaijan, Iran, and Russia.</li> </ul> <h3 id="workers-strike-at-the-zcmc"><strong>Workers Strike at the ZCMC</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Workers at Zangezur Copper and Molybdenum Compound (ZCMC) went on strike, and the government took a passive stance.</li> <li>The geopolitical context of ZCMC’s ownership and its role in Armenia’s economy.</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h2> <h3 id="pashinyan-in-dc-1"><strong>Pashinyan in DC</strong></h3> <ul> <li>What was the real purpose behind Pashinyan’s trip? Was it about securing a high-level meeting with U.S. officials, or just for optics?</li> <li>Why was the photo-op with J.D. Vance so important for Pashinyan’s government?</li> <li>What does Pashinyan mean by a “balanced and balancing” foreign policy? Is it a departure from previous foreign policy strategies?</li> <li>Did Pashinyan’s government make any significant progress with Turkey and Azerbaijan during his visit?</li> </ul> <h3 id="trump-sanctions-the-icc-1"><strong>Trump Sanctions the ICC</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Why did Armenia join the ICC if it knew it would eventually withdraw its cases against Azerbaijan?</li> <li>Was Armenia’s membership to the ICC more about political leverage than legal action?</li> <li>Can Armenia stop ICC investigations into crimes against Armenians, and what are the long-term consequences of withdrawing cases?</li> </ul> <h3 id="azerbaijani-diplomacy-in-action-1"><strong>Azerbaijani Diplomacy in Action</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Why is Azerbaijan so insistent on the Zangezur Corridor, despite Iran’s strong opposition?</li> <li>How can Armenia balance its relations with Azerbaijan, Iran, and Russia given the geopolitical context?</li> <li>What does Azerbaijan&rsquo;s expulsion of Russia&rsquo;s cultural center and its tightened visa restrictions signify for regional diplomacy?</li> </ul> <h3 id="workers-strike-at-the-zcmc-1"><strong>Workers Strike at the ZCMC</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Why has the Armenian government taken such a passive stance towards the workers’ strike? Could there be a political motive?</li> <li>What does the ZCMC strike mean for Armenia’s economy, especially with its large tax revenue contribution?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="links-referenced-during-the-show"><strong>Links Referenced During the Show</strong></h2> <h3 id="pashinyan-in-dc-2"><strong>Pashinyan in DC</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://verelq.am/hy/node/156254">Pashinyan’s Visit &amp; IRF Summit</a></li> <li><a href="https://x.com/HovikYerevan/status/1887542072841757012">Agenda Change Reference</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cftjustice.org/warrior-of-the-month-sharmagh-mardi/">Sharmagh Mardi</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="trump-sanctions-the-icc-2"><strong>Trump Sanctions the ICC</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2p19l24g2o">Trump Sanctions ICC</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/international-criminal-court-welcomes-armenia-new-state-party">ICC Welcomes Armenia</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.armradio.am/2025/02/06/armenia-cannot-stop-investigation-of-crimes-against-armenians-at-icc-ocampo/">Luis Moreno Ocampo on ICC Cases</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="azerbaijani-diplomacy-in-action-2"><strong>Azerbaijani Diplomacy in Action</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://asbarez.com/so-called-zangezur-corridor-is-detrimental-for-both-iran-and-armenia-tehran-says/">Iran’s Opposition to Zangezur Corridor</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33302830.html">Azerbaijan Expels Russian Cultural Center</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33301672.html">Azerbaijan Tightens Visa Restrictions for Russians</a></li> <li><a href="https://news.am/eng/news/865090.html">Tensions Between Russia &amp; Azerbaijan</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33305534.html">Aliyev’s Latest Moves</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="workers-strike-at-the-zcmc-2"><strong>Workers Strike at the ZCMC</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33307193.html">Worker Strike at ZCMC</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33305534.html">ZCMC Worker Dismissals</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33301672.html">Government&rsquo;s Response to Strike</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="armenian-hostages-and-pows"><strong>Armenian Hostages and POWs</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://168.am/2025/02/07/2164882.html">Catholicos Aram I’s Letter to Trump on POWs</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.armenpress.am/en/article/1211516.html">Armenian Diplomatic Efforts on POWs</a></li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="thoughts-from-the-participants"><strong>Thoughts from the Participants</strong></h2> <h3 id="hovik"><strong>Hovik</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Gratitude for Catholicos Aram I’s leadership and letter to Trump urging immediate action on Armenian POWs.</li> <li>The hypocrisy of diaspora Armenians attending Pashinyan’s meetings while he denies genocide and criticizes diaspora institutions.</li> </ul> <h3 id="anna"><strong>Anna</strong></h3> <ul> <li>The lack of real national resistance to Pashinyan’s policies, including his rhetoric on Armenia’s identity and genocide denial.</li> <li>The increasing acceptance of Pashinyan&rsquo;s agenda within Armenian society despite its contradictions with Armenian history.</li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <hr> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/413-anna-karapetyan-pashinyan-in-dc-trump-sanctions-icc-azerbaijan-diplomacy-worker-strike-at-mining-company/Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:10:36 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/413-anna-karapetyan-pashinyan-in-dc-trump-sanctions-icc-azerbaijan-diplomacy-worker-strike-at-mining-company/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Pashinyan in DC. Trump Sanctions the ICC. Azerbaijani Diplomacy in Action. Workers Strike at Zangezur Mining Co.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/413/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/412-archil-sikharulidze-the-estrangement-of-georgia-and-the-west/Tue, 11 Feb 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/412-archil-sikharulidze-the-estrangement-of-georgia-and-the-west/<h1 id="the-estrangement-of-georgia-and-the-west">The Estrangement of Georgia and the West</h1> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li><strong>The Impact of USAID’s Shutdown</strong> – The implications of USAID’s temporary funding freeze and its effect on NGOs, media, and political processes in Georgia.</li> <li><strong>Georgia and the EU</strong> – The deepening rift between Georgia and the European Union, including Georgia’s decision to freeze its EU membership drive and recall representatives from PACE.</li> <li><strong>Georgia and the South Caucasus</strong> – Georgia’s role in regional diplomacy, including its offer to mediate Armenia-Azerbaijan peace talks and its trilateral cooperation initiative with Armenia and Azerbaijan.</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <h3 id="the-impact-of-usaids-shutdown">The Impact of USAID’s Shutdown</h3> <ul> <li>What was USAID’s financial role in Georgia, and what effects will its funding freeze have on NGOs and media?</li> <li>How did USAID’s $40M election support compare to past controversies, such as RussiaGate in the U.S.?</li> <li>What is the current state of NGOs in Georgia after the elections and the adoption of the “Transparency of Foreign Influence” law?</li> </ul> <h3 id="georgia-and-the-eu">Georgia and the EU</h3> <ul> <li>What are the primary reasons behind Georgia’s estrangement from the EU?</li> <li>With Georgia-West relations worsening, is there a corresponding improvement in Georgia-Russia relations?</li> </ul> <h3 id="georgia-and-the-south-caucasus">Georgia and the South Caucasus</h3> <ul> <li>What is Georgia’s rationale for proposing peace facilitation between Armenia and Azerbaijan?</li> <li>What are the details of Georgia’s trilateral cooperation proposal with Armenia and Azerbaijan?</li> <li>How does Georgia’s fallout with the EU affect Armenia’s EU aspirations?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h2> <ul> <li> <p><strong>USAID Funding &amp; Media Impact</strong>:</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/412-archil-sikharulidze-the-estrangement-of-georgia-and-the-west/Tue, 11 Feb 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/412-archil-sikharulidze-the-estrangement-of-georgia-and-the-west/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Effects of the Shutdown of USAID. Georgia and the EU. Georgia and the South Caucasus.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/412/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/410-benyamin-poghosyan-mpg-poll-russia-azerbaijan-relations-deteriorating-armenia-strategic-geopolitical-balancing-zangezur-corridor/Tue, 04 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/410-benyamin-poghosyan-mpg-poll-russia-azerbaijan-relations-deteriorating-armenia-strategic-geopolitical-balancing-zangezur-corridor/<p>In this episode of <strong>Groong Week in Review</strong>, we speak with <strong>Benyamin Poghosyan</strong> about the latest <strong>MPG poll</strong>, which shows a significant drop in <strong>Pashinyan’s approval ratings</strong> and highlights key concerns among Armenians, such as <strong>security, border issues, and economic instability</strong>. We also examine the <strong>growing tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan</strong>, Aliyev’s increasingly <strong>anti-Russian rhetoric</strong>, and the possible <strong>geopolitical consequences</strong>. The discussion extends to <strong>Armenia’s strategic geopolitical balancing</strong>, Russia’s warnings regarding Armenia’s <strong>EU aspirations</strong>, and whether Armenia can <strong>leverage its position in the North-South trade corridor</strong>. Finally, we assess <strong>Azerbaijan’s push for a &lsquo;Zangezur Corridor&rsquo;</strong>, Armenia’s <strong>counterproposals</strong>, and the potential for <strong>military escalation</strong> in the region.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/410-benyamin-poghosyan-mpg-poll-russia-azerbaijan-relations-deteriorating-armenia-strategic-geopolitical-balancing-zangezur-corridor/Tue, 04 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/410-benyamin-poghosyan-mpg-poll-russia-azerbaijan-relations-deteriorating-armenia-strategic-geopolitical-balancing-zangezur-corridor/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Groong Week in Review, we speak with Benyamin Poghosyan about the latest MPG poll, which shows a significant drop in Pashinyan’s approval ratings and highlights key concerns among Armenians, such as security, border issues, and economic instability. We also examine the growing tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan, Aliyev’s increasingly anti-Russian rhetoric, and the possible geopolitical consequences. The discussion extends to Armenia’s strategic geopolitical balancing, Russia’s warnings regarding Armenia’s EU aspirations, and whether Armenia can leverage its position in the North-South trade corridor. Finally, we assess Azerbaijan’s push for a &lsquo;Zangezur Corridor&rsquo;, Armenia’s counterproposals, and the potential for military escalation in the region.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/409-harut-sassounian-kirk-kerkorians-benevolent-engagement-with-armenia/Sun, 02 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/409-harut-sassounian-kirk-kerkorians-benevolent-engagement-with-armenia/<p><strong>Kirk Kerkorian’s Benevolent Engagement with Armenia</strong></p> <p>Kirk Kerkorian, the Armenian-American billionaire, was one of the greatest benefactors of Armenia, contributing <strong>hundreds of millions of dollars</strong> to infrastructure and humanitarian projects. In this episode of <em>Conversations on Groong</em>, we speak with <strong>Harut Sassounian</strong>, publisher of <em>The California Courier</em> and <strong>former Vice Chairman of the Lincy Foundation</strong>, to uncover <strong>why Kerkorian chose to invest in Armenia</strong>, the impact of his donations, and the <strong>real reasons</strong> why he ultimately stopped funding projects. We also address the <strong>rumors of corruption</strong> and explore <strong>how Kerkorian is remembered today</strong>.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/409-harut-sassounian-kirk-kerkorians-benevolent-engagement-with-armenia/Sun, 02 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/409-harut-sassounian-kirk-kerkorians-benevolent-engagement-with-armenia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Who was Kirk Kerkorian? How Kerkorian Discovered Armenia. Investing in Armenia. End of Investments and Death of Kerkorian.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/409/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/408-arthur-khachatryan-mirzoyan-in-moscow-kostanyan-in-tehran-borders-fis-annual-report-silence-of-the-lambs/Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/408-arthur-khachatryan-mirzoyan-in-moscow-kostanyan-in-tehran-borders-fis-annual-report-silence-of-the-lambs/<h2 id="topics-covered">Topics Covered</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Army Day</strong> – Reflections on Armenia’s military, its legacy, and the significance of service</li> <li><strong>Mirzoyan in Moscow</strong> – Armenia’s EU accession bid, Russia’s response, and economic implications</li> <li><strong>Kostanyan in Tehran</strong> – Armenia-Iran relations amid regional instability and Iran’s red lines</li> <li><strong>Mher Grigoryan on the Border (Concessions)</strong> – Concerns over ongoing border negotiations and potential territorial concessions</li> <li><strong>FIS Annual Report 2025</strong> – First report from Armenia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, its implications, and internal contradictions</li> <li><strong>US-Armenia Strategic Partnership</strong> – The significance of the recent agreement and its regional ramifications</li> <li><strong>Silence of the Lambs</strong> – Sham trials of Artsakh leaders in Baku and the Armenian government’s silence</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>How should Armenia commemorate <strong>Army Day</strong>, and why is it important in the current political climate?</li> <li>What are the <strong>political and economic risks</strong> of Armenia’s EU bid, and how does it affect relations with Russia?</li> <li>Can Armenia <strong>balance relations with Iran and the EU</strong>, especially given Iran’s concerns about Western presence in the region?</li> <li>What is the <strong>impact of border negotiations</strong>, and could they lead to further <strong>concessions or resistance</strong> from the Armenian opposition?</li> <li>What are the <strong>takeaways from the Foreign Intelligence Service&rsquo;s annual report</strong>, and why are there <strong>contradictions</strong> between Armenian security officials?</li> <li>How impactful is the <strong>US-Armenia Strategic Partnership</strong>, and could it influence <strong>Turkey’s approach</strong> to Armenia?</li> <li>Why is the Armenian government <strong>silent on the sham trials</strong> of Artsakh leaders in Baku, and what does this imply about Pashinyan’s stance?</li> </ul> <h2 id="links-referenced-during-the-show">Links Referenced During The Show</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/armenian-government-approves-bill-launch-eu-accession-bid-2025-01-09/">Armenian Government Approves Bill to Launch EU Accession Bid</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33279234.html">Mirzoyan’s Visit to Moscow</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33283632.html">Reactions to Armenia’s EU Bid</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33277999.html">Analysis on Armenian-Russian Trade Relations</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33283764.html">Kostanyan’s Visit to Tehran</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33283764.html">Iranian Diplomatic Engagement with Armenia</a></li> <li><a href="https://president.ir/en/156874">Meeting Between Iranian and Armenian Officials</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/armenia">UK Government Updates Armenia Travel Advisory</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33285260.html">Armenian Official Responses to Border Security</a></li> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/storage/content/2025/pdf/Annual_Report_ARM.pdf">Foreign Intelligence Service Annual Report (Armenian)</a></li> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/storage/content/2025/pdf/Annual_Report_ENGLISH.pdf">Foreign Intelligence Service Annual Report (English)</a></li> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1210337">US-Armenia Strategic Partnership Agreement</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/21343/azerbaijan-armenian-hostages">International Reaction to Sham Trials in Baku</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2025/01/armenia-ngos-call-for-international-monitoring-of-trials-of-detainees-in-azerbaijan/">NGOs Call for Monitoring of Armenian Detainee Trials</a></li> <li><a href="https://asbarez.com/center-for-truth-and-justice-calls-on-baku-allow-international-lawyers-to-observe-trials-of-armenian-captives/">Calls for Legal Monitoring of Armenian Captives in Baku</a></li> <li><a href="https://sport.news.am/eng/news/155745/henrikh-mkhitaryan-makes-call-with-%E2%80%98freedom-to-ruben-vardanyan-and-%E2%80%98freedom-to-armenian-prisoners-hashtags.html">Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s Social Media Campaign for Armenian Prisoners</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/408-arthur-khachatryan-mirzoyan-in-moscow-kostanyan-in-tehran-borders-fis-annual-report-silence-of-the-lambs/Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/408-arthur-khachatryan-mirzoyan-in-moscow-kostanyan-in-tehran-borders-fis-annual-report-silence-of-the-lambs/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Mirzoyan in Moscow. Vahan Kostanyan in Tehran. Mher Grigoryan on the Border (concessions). FIS Annual Report 2025. The Silence of the Lambs.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/408/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/407-pietro-shakarian-russian-iranian-comprehensive-strategic-partnership-agreement-implications-for-armenia-trump-white-house-war-or-peace/Mon, 27 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/407-pietro-shakarian-russian-iranian-comprehensive-strategic-partnership-agreement-implications-for-armenia-trump-white-house-war-or-peace/<p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we discuss the recently signed Russian-Iranian Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty with historian Dr. Pietro Shakarian. The treaty, signed in January 2025, is a significant development in Eurasian geopolitics, encompassing military, economic, and cultural cooperation. We explore its implications for Armenia, the South Caucasus, and the broader region, as well as its intersection with global power dynamics involving the United States, Europe, and Israel.</p> <h3 id="topics-covered">Topics Covered</h3> <ul> <li>Russian-Iranian Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty</li> <li>Implications of the treaty for Armenia and the South Caucasus</li> <li>Eurasian geopolitics and the significance of Articles 12 and 13 of the treaty</li> <li>Azerbaijan’s strategic importance and its relationships with Turkey, Israel, and the West</li> <li>The role of the International North-South Trade Corridor (INSTC) and regional infrastructure</li> <li>The geopolitical implications of U.S., Russian, and Iranian interactions</li> </ul> <h3 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h3> <ul> <li>Why was the Russian-Iranian Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty needed, and what are its historical underpinnings?</li> <li>What differentiates the treaty from a formal military alliance?</li> <li>How does the treaty’s Article 12 define regional peace and security, particularly for the Caspian, Central Asia, Transcaucasia, and the Middle East?</li> <li>How might this treaty influence the geopolitical orientations of Armenia and Azerbaijan?</li> <li>What is the strategic significance of the International North-South Trade Corridor, particularly in relation to the Rasht-Astara railway?</li> <li>How does Azerbaijan’s growing importance to both Russia and Iran affect Armenia and the region?</li> <li>What is the treaty’s impact on U.S. and Israeli strategic interests in the region?</li> </ul> <h3 id="links-referenced-during-the-show">Links Referenced During the Show</h3> <ol> <li><a href="https://usrussiaaccord.org/acura-exclusive-pietro-a-shakarian-the-russo-persian-partnership-pact-significance-and-implications/">The Russo-Persian Partnership Pact: Significance and Implications – Pietro Shakarian</a></li> <li><a href="https://president.ir/en/156874">Iran President’s Office Announcement</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/russias-planned-gas-pipeline-iran-2025-01-20/">Reuters: Russia’s Planned Gas Pipeline to Iran</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/407">Groong Podcast Episode Page</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/donald-trump-vladimir-putin-russia-ukraine-war-sanctions-threat-rcna188960">NBC News: Trump on Russia-Ukraine Conflict</a></li> <li><a href="https://tass.com/politics/1887447">TASS: Kremlin&rsquo;s View on Trump-Putin Relations</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/23/trump-meet-putin-discuss-ukraine-peace-deal">Axios: Trump-Putin Ukraine Peace Talks</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2025/1/23/why-is-ukraine-struggling-to-mobilise-its-citizens-to-fight">Al Jazeera: Ukraine Struggles to Mobilize Citizens</a></li> </ol> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/407-pietro-shakarian-russian-iranian-comprehensive-strategic-partnership-agreement-implications-for-armenia-trump-white-house-war-or-peace/Mon, 27 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/407-pietro-shakarian-russian-iranian-comprehensive-strategic-partnership-agreement-implications-for-armenia-trump-white-house-war-or-peace/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we discuss the recently signed Russian-Iranian Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty with historian Dr. Pietro Shakarian. The treaty, signed in January 2025, is a significant development in Eurasian geopolitics, encompassing military, economic, and cultural cooperation. We explore its implications for Armenia, the South Caucasus, and the broader region, as well as its intersection with global power dynamics involving the United States, Europe, and Israel.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/406-hrant-mikaelian-trump-inauguration-russian-iranian-and-uk-ukrainian-and-us-armenian-strategic-partnerships/Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/406-hrant-mikaelian-trump-inauguration-russian-iranian-and-uk-ukrainian-and-us-armenian-strategic-partnerships/<h2 id="trump-inauguration"><strong>Trump Inauguration</strong></h2> <p>We recorded this episode on January 20, 2025, during Trump’s inauguration. This marks one of the most anticipated U.S. transitions of power in recent memory. Topics include:</p> <ul> <li>Potential nuclear confrontation with Russia.</li> <li>The possibility of a U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran.</li> <li>Broader shifts in the global world order.</li> </ul> <p>Hrant shares insights on Trump&rsquo;s foreign policy priorities and the implications of his cabinet choices.</p> <h2 id="a-tale-of-three-partnerships"><strong>A Tale of Three Partnerships</strong></h2> <h3 id="russian-iranian-strategic-partnership"><strong>Russian-Iranian Strategic Partnership</strong></h3> <p>On January 17, Russia and Iran signed a 20-year &ldquo;Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,&rdquo; marking a deepening of relations. The agreement is poised to influence conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/406-hrant-mikaelian-trump-inauguration-russian-iranian-and-uk-ukrainian-and-us-armenian-strategic-partnerships/Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/406-hrant-mikaelian-trump-inauguration-russian-iranian-and-uk-ukrainian-and-us-armenian-strategic-partnerships/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Trump Inauguration. Russian-Iranian Strategic Partnership. UK-Ukrainian 100-Year Partnership. US-Armenian “Strategic Partnership”.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/406/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/404-tevan-poghosyan-incoming-trump-admin-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-iran-visit-pro-west-signals/Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:01:55 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/404-tevan-poghosyan-incoming-trump-admin-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-iran-visit-pro-west-signals/<p>In this episode of the <strong>Armenian News Network / Groong</strong>, we sit down with <strong>Tevan Poghosyan</strong> to discuss global and regional developments, including the incoming Trump administration&rsquo;s potential impact, the Armenia-Azerbaijan talks, Iran&rsquo;s regional positioning, and Armenia&rsquo;s pro-Western signals amidst Russian warnings. Hosts <strong>Hovik Manucharyan</strong> and <strong>Asbed Bedrossian</strong> lead the discussion.</p> <h2 id="topics-covered">Topics Covered</h2> <ol> <li> <p><strong>Incoming Trump Administration:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The potential effects of Trump’s foreign policy on Ukraine, Israel, Iran, and global dynamics.</li> <li>Key relationships with leaders like Putin and Netanyahu.</li> </ul> </li> <li> <p><strong>Armenia-Azerbaijan Talks:</strong></p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/404-tevan-poghosyan-incoming-trump-admin-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-iran-visit-pro-west-signals/Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:01:55 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/404-tevan-poghosyan-incoming-trump-admin-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-iran-visit-pro-west-signals/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of the Armenian News Network / Groong, we sit down with Tevan Poghosyan to discuss global and regional developments, including the incoming Trump administration&rsquo;s potential impact, the Armenia-Azerbaijan talks, Iran&rsquo;s regional positioning, and Armenia&rsquo;s pro-Western signals amidst Russian warnings. Hosts Hovik Manucharyan and Asbed Bedrossian lead the discussion.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/404/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/403-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-lies-on-negotiations-17-points-to-an-agreement-2024-review-2025-outlook/Wed, 01 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/403-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-lies-on-negotiations-17-points-to-an-agreement-2024-review-2025-outlook/<p>This is the final episode of 2024 for the Armenian News Network, Groong, featuring Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan, Chairman of the Center for Political and Economic Strategic Studies. In this Week in Review episode, we delve into a comprehensive discussion of pivotal topics that have defined the past year. These include Nikol Pashinyan&rsquo;s controversial claims about past negotiations on Artsakh, the evolving dynamics of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, and the broader implications of these developments for the region and beyond.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/403-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-lies-on-negotiations-17-points-to-an-agreement-2024-review-2025-outlook/Wed, 01 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/403-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-lies-on-negotiations-17-points-to-an-agreement-2024-review-2025-outlook/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This is the final episode of 2024 for the Armenian News Network, Groong, featuring Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan, Chairman of the Center for Political and Economic Strategic Studies. In this Week in Review episode, we delve into a comprehensive discussion of pivotal topics that have defined the past year. These include Nikol Pashinyan&rsquo;s controversial claims about past negotiations on Artsakh, the evolving dynamics of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, and the broader implications of these developments for the region and beyond.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/402-armenian-news-narek-malyan-political-prisoner-human-rights-pretrial-detention/Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/402-armenian-news-narek-malyan-political-prisoner-human-rights-pretrial-detention/<p>In this episode of <em>Conversations on Groong</em>, we speak with Narek Malyan, an author, activist, and former political prisoner. Malyan shares his experiences during a year-long imprisonment, sheds light on the increasing use of pretrial detention as a political weapon in Armenia, and critiques the role of Western embassies in enabling government abuses. This insightful conversation delves into the implications of political repression and the erosion of human rights in Armenia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/402-armenian-news-narek-malyan-political-prisoner-human-rights-pretrial-detention/Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/402-armenian-news-narek-malyan-political-prisoner-human-rights-pretrial-detention/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Narek Malyan, an author, activist, and former political prisoner. Malyan shares his experiences during a year-long imprisonment, sheds light on the increasing use of pretrial detention as a political weapon in Armenia, and critiques the role of Western embassies in enabling government abuses. This insightful conversation delves into the implications of political repression and the erosion of human rights in Armenia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/401-dziunik-aghajanian-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-fall-of-syria-defense-politics-civil-contract-strife/Wed, 25 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/401-dziunik-aghajanian-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-fall-of-syria-defense-politics-civil-contract-strife/<p>In this episode of the Armenian News Network - Groong Week in Review, we speak with Ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian, a seasoned diplomat and former Armenian ambassador to the Netherlands, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This discussion delves into the most pressing geopolitical and domestic issues currently shaping Armenia&rsquo;s future. Topics include poignant revelations about US plans to encircle Iran, Azerbaijan’s pivotal role in this strategy, and the broader implications for the South Caucasus.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/401-dziunik-aghajanian-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-fall-of-syria-defense-politics-civil-contract-strife/Wed, 25 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/401-dziunik-aghajanian-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-fall-of-syria-defense-politics-civil-contract-strife/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of the Armenian News Network - Groong Week in Review, we speak with Ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian, a seasoned diplomat and former Armenian ambassador to the Netherlands, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This discussion delves into the most pressing geopolitical and domestic issues currently shaping Armenia&rsquo;s future. Topics include poignant revelations about US plans to encircle Iran, Azerbaijan’s pivotal role in this strategy, and the broader implications for the South Caucasus.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/399-arman-grigoryan-beyond-the-fall-of-syria-armenia-and-global-geopolitics/Sat, 21 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/399-arman-grigoryan-beyond-the-fall-of-syria-armenia-and-global-geopolitics/<h1 id="beyond-the-fall-of-syria">Beyond the Fall of Syria</h1> <p>In this episode of the Groong Podcast, Dr. Arman Grigoryan provides an in-depth analysis of Syria’s geopolitical shifts following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. We explore Turkey’s strategic maneuvers, Russia and Iran’s setbacks, and the implications for Armenia amid regional tensions. This thought-provoking discussion connects the dots between Middle Eastern politics and the South Caucasus, offering insights into the broader impact of these developments on global geopolitics.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/399-arman-grigoryan-beyond-the-fall-of-syria-armenia-and-global-geopolitics/Sat, 21 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/399-arman-grigoryan-beyond-the-fall-of-syria-armenia-and-global-geopolitics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Syria’s Fall and Regional Power Shifts. Turkey’s Expanding Influence in Syria. Impact on Armenia-Azerbaijan Relations. Russia and Iran’s Middle East Strategy.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/399/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/398-anna-karapetyan-azerbaijan-preparing-for-war-pashinyan-deceptive-discourse-on-negotiations-armenians-uninformed-swiss-parliament-on-nagorno-karabakh/Thu, 19 Dec 2024 06:10:36 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/398-anna-karapetyan-azerbaijan-preparing-for-war-pashinyan-deceptive-discourse-on-negotiations-armenians-uninformed-swiss-parliament-on-nagorno-karabakh/<p>In this <em>Week in Review</em> episode, we discuss with Dr. Anna Karapetyan Azerbaijan’s increasing military activity and its implications for Armenia’s security, including arms shipments and UAV operations. We also explore Switzerland’s motion advocating for a peace forum to ensure the safe return of displaced Artsakh Armenians and its significance in addressing ethnic cleansing on an international stage.</p> <h2 id="topics-covered">Topics Covered:</h2> <ol> <li><strong>Azerbaijan’s War Preparations</strong> <ul> <li>Evidence of increased military activity, including arms shipments and Turkish UAV operations near Armenia.</li> <li>Pashinyan’s rhetoric regarding &ldquo;Western Azerbaijan&rdquo; and its implications.</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Swiss Motion on Artsakh Armenians’ Right of Return</strong> <ul> <li>Details of Switzerland’s call for an international peace forum to address the safe return of displaced Artsakh Armenians.</li> <li>The significance of the motion in addressing ethnic cleansing and its alignment with international decisions.</li> </ul> </li> </ol> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed:</h2> <ul> <li>What is the current level of danger Armenia faces given Azerbaijan’s military actions?</li> <li>Is the Armenian public desensitized to these threats?</li> <li>What are the chances of Azerbaijan’s engagement in Switzerland’s proposed peace initiative?</li> <li>How significant is this motion internationally?</li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <hr> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/398-anna-karapetyan-azerbaijan-preparing-for-war-pashinyan-deceptive-discourse-on-negotiations-armenians-uninformed-swiss-parliament-on-nagorno-karabakh/Thu, 19 Dec 2024 06:10:36 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/398-anna-karapetyan-azerbaijan-preparing-for-war-pashinyan-deceptive-discourse-on-negotiations-armenians-uninformed-swiss-parliament-on-nagorno-karabakh/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review episode, we discuss with Dr. Anna Karapetyan Azerbaijan’s increasing military activity and its implications for Armenia’s security, including arms shipments and UAV operations. We also explore Switzerland’s motion advocating for a peace forum to ensure the safe return of displaced Artsakh Armenians and its significance in addressing ethnic cleansing on an international stage.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/398/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/397-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-ethnic-cleansing-armenian-identity-nagorno-karabakh-tragedy/Wed, 18 Dec 2024 17:05:04 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/397-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-ethnic-cleansing-armenian-identity-nagorno-karabakh-tragedy/<p>In this episode of <em>Conversations on Groong</em>, we welcome <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/giskajyan">Gev Iskajyan</a>, National Grassroots Director of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). Gev reflects on the devastating blockade of Artsakh, the ethnic cleansing of its Armenian population, and the lasting impact on Armenian sovereignty and identity. With vivid firsthand accounts, Gev recounts the progression of the crisis, the exodus of over 120,000 Armenians, and the broader geopolitical implications.</p> <p>This episode highlights the resilience of the Armenian people, the humanitarian tragedy that unfolded, and the urgent need for justice and accountability on an international scale.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/397-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-ethnic-cleansing-armenian-identity-nagorno-karabakh-tragedy/Wed, 18 Dec 2024 17:05:04 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/397-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-ethnic-cleansing-armenian-identity-nagorno-karabakh-tragedy/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we welcome Gev Iskajyan, National Grassroots Director of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). Gev reflects on the devastating blockade of Artsakh, the ethnic cleansing of its Armenian population, and the lasting impact on Armenian sovereignty and identity. With vivid firsthand accounts, Gev recounts the progression of the crisis, the exodus of over 120,000 Armenians, and the broader geopolitical implications.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/396-varuzhan-geghamyan-syria-middle-east-armenia-south-caucasus-regional-power-dynamics/Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/396-varuzhan-geghamyan-syria-middle-east-armenia-south-caucasus-regional-power-dynamics/<h2 id="1-syria-and-the-middle-east"><strong>1. Syria and the Middle East</strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong>Syria’s Post-Conflict Path</strong>: Insights into shifting power structures and international negotiations shaping Syria’s trajectory.</li> <li><strong>Turkey’s Expanding Role</strong>: From Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Idlib to the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA), how Ankara asserts its influence.</li> <li><strong>Proxy Wars in Action</strong>: Examining the clash between U.S.-backed Kurdish forces and Turkey-supported factions, and its impact on regional stability.</li> <li><strong>Strategic Realignments</strong>: How Turkey’s involvement affects its relationships with Russia and Iran, signaling broader regional shifts.</li> </ul> <h2 id="2-the-south-caucasus"><strong>2. The South Caucasus</strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong>Syria’s Ripple Effects</strong>: How developments in the Middle East intersect with Armenia-Azerbaijan relations.</li> <li><strong>Turkey’s Pan-Turanic Ambitions</strong>: Regional ramifications of Ankara’s goals, alongside Azerbaijan’s aggressive approach in negotiations.</li> <li><strong>Iran’s Strategic Calculations</strong>: Evaluating Tehran’s &ldquo;red lines&rdquo; in Armenia and its stance on the so-called &ldquo;Zangezur corridor.&rdquo;</li> <li><strong>Security and Diplomacy</strong>: Assessing how Middle Eastern conflicts influence Armenia’s regional standing.</li> </ul> <h2 id="3-turkey-russia-iran"><strong>3. Turkey, Russia, Iran</strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong>Tensions in Focus</strong>: How divergent interests over Syria strain Turkey, Russia, and Iran’s cooperation.</li> <li><strong>The 3+3 Platform</strong>: Evaluating the survival of this initiative amid growing discord.</li> <li><strong>Turkey’s Leverage</strong>: Moscow’s vulnerabilities in Syria and Ukraine provide Ankara with new bargaining power.</li> <li><strong>Implications for Stability</strong>: Broader lessons for peace and conflict resolution across these intertwined regions.</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>What does the current balance of power in the Middle East reveal about shifting alliances?</li> <li>Can Kurdish groups maintain U.S. support amid changing priorities?</li> <li>How do the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and Syria’s developments interconnect?</li> <li>What strategies will Russia adopt in response to challenges in Ukraine and the Middle East?</li> <li>Will Turkey-Iran-Russia tensions undermine broader cooperation?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="timestamps"><strong>Timestamps</strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/zic4d4_QL_k?t=0">00:00</a></strong> Introduction and Episode Overview</li> <li><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/zic4d4_QL_k?t=180">03:00</a></strong> Syria’s Post-War Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities</li> <li><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/zic4d4_QL_k?t=930">15:30</a></strong> Proxy Wars and Kurdish Autonomy: A Geopolitical Tug-of-War</li> <li><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/zic4d4_QL_k?t=1680">28:00</a></strong> The South Caucasus and Its Strategic Significance</li> <li><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/zic4d4_QL_k?t=2400">40:00</a></strong> Regional Power Dynamics: The Turkey-Iran-Russia Nexus</li> <li><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/zic4d4_QL_k?t=3000">50:00</a></strong> Key Takeaways and Reflections</li> <li><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/zic4d4_QL_k?t=3300">55:00</a></strong> Closing Remarks and Future Outlook</li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="call-to-action"><strong>Call to Action</strong></h3> <p>Thank you for tuning in to <strong>Conversations on Groong</strong>. If you found this episode insightful, please <strong>subscribe, like, and share</strong> it with your network. Subscribing ensures you’ll stay updated on our latest episodes, while sharing helps expand our community of listeners passionate about Armenia and its geopolitical landscape.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/396-varuzhan-geghamyan-syria-middle-east-armenia-south-caucasus-regional-power-dynamics/Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/396-varuzhan-geghamyan-syria-middle-east-armenia-south-caucasus-regional-power-dynamics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Syria and the Middle East. The South Caucasus. Turkey, Iran, Russia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/396/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/395-larry-c-johnson-on-syria-south-caucasus-isr-intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance-2020-war-on-nagorno-karabakh/Sat, 14 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/395-larry-c-johnson-on-syria-south-caucasus-isr-intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance-2020-war-on-nagorno-karabakh/<h2 id="syria-and-the-middle-east">Syria and the Middle East</h2> <p>So Syria happened… The terrorists are now forming a government in Syria.</p> <p>Let’s cut to the chase.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Did the Russian and Iranian intel services miss this, or do you think there were some backroom deals that maybe predetermined the current outcome?</li> <li>Russia projects much of its power into the Mediterranean and North Africa through its naval base in Tartus. Reportedly they have reached an agreement with HTS to keep that base in Russian hands. Do you think that’s a sustainable agreement, and can Russia regain a foothold in the eastern Mediterranean if they lose that base?</li> <li>What was Turkey’s role in this Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and their allies offensive?</li> <li>How do you expect the situation in Syria to evolve?</li> </ul> <h2 id="the-south-caucasus">The South Caucasus</h2> <p>The South Caucasus remains a critical region where global and regional powers intersect, creating a volatile geopolitical environment. Following Azerbaijan’s attack on Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020, analysts warned of a potential escalation targeting the southern regions of Armenia, particularly the two southern provinces, Syunik and Vayots Dzor, which Turkey and Azerbaijan call their &ldquo;Zangezur corridor.&rdquo;</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/395-larry-c-johnson-on-syria-south-caucasus-isr-intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance-2020-war-on-nagorno-karabakh/Sat, 14 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/395-larry-c-johnson-on-syria-south-caucasus-isr-intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance-2020-war-on-nagorno-karabakh/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Syria and the Middle East. The South Caucasus. Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance. 44-Day War and the ISR Factor. Fueling Other Wars.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/395/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20241214-transcript-395-larry-c-johnson-on-syria-south-caucasus-isr-intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance-2020-war-on-nagorno-karabakh/Sat, 14 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20241214-transcript-395-larry-c-johnson-on-syria-south-caucasus-isr-intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance-2020-war-on-nagorno-karabakh/<h2 id="syria-and-the-middle-east">Syria and the Middle East</h2> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/395/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Larry C Johnson - Syria, South Caucasus, and Regional Power Dynamics | Ep 395, Dec 14, 2024</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong - 12/14/2024</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2024-12-14</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 395</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/395">https://podcasts.groong.org/395</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/d1aCj0qewOE">https://youtu.be/d1aCj0qewOE</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/ljohnson">Larry C Johnson</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/ljohnson">Larry C Johnson</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/394-hrant-mikaelian-aliyev-new-demands-on-armenia-fall-of-syria-georgia-post-election-unrest-civil-contract-disobedience/Tue, 10 Dec 2024 12:06:59 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/394-hrant-mikaelian-aliyev-new-demands-on-armenia-fall-of-syria-georgia-post-election-unrest-civil-contract-disobedience/<h2 id="remembering-the-1988-earthquake-in-spitak-armenia">Remembering the 1988 Earthquake in Spitak, Armenia</h2> <p>&ldquo;Ils sont tombés, sans trop savoir pourquoi&rdquo; — Charles Aznavour’s poignant lyrics remind us of the tragedy that united Armenians after the devastating Spitak earthquake on December 7, 1988. Last week marked 36 years since the catastrophe that claimed tens of thousands of lives and rallied Armenians worldwide, with Aznavour leading global relief efforts through concerts and the Aznavour Foundation.</p> <p>Yet the scars of Spitak endure, as the government failed to fully utilize diaspora support, leaving the earthquake zone still not fully rebuilt. Remembering this tragedy should inspire unity today, urging Armenia’s leaders to rally Armenians globally to rebuild and strengthen the nation.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/394-hrant-mikaelian-aliyev-new-demands-on-armenia-fall-of-syria-georgia-post-election-unrest-civil-contract-disobedience/Tue, 10 Dec 2024 12:06:59 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/394-hrant-mikaelian-aliyev-new-demands-on-armenia-fall-of-syria-georgia-post-election-unrest-civil-contract-disobedience/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Remembering the 1988 Earthquake in Spitak, Armenia. Aliyev’s “New” Demands. The Fall of Syria. Georgia’s Post-Election Unrest. Civil Contract Disobedience.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/394/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/393-ivan-katchanovsi-ukraine-and-the-legacy-of-maidan-georgia-armenia/Mon, 09 Dec 2024 18:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/393-ivan-katchanovsi-ukraine-and-the-legacy-of-maidan-georgia-armenia/<h1 id="ukraine-and-the-legacy-of-the-maidan">Ukraine and the Legacy of the Maidan</h1> <p>Prof. Katchanowski, since this is your first time on our podcast, can you summarize for our listeners your research interests and your past academic work?</p> <h2 id="the-war-in-ukraine">The War in Ukraine</h2> <p>We’ll dive into your book in a moment, but first let’s focus on what is happening today on the ground in Ukraine.</p> <p>The war in Ukraine has been raging for nearly three years now. The advance of the Russian forces, while initially modest, has been accelerating, and they are now moving forward tens of kilometers per day.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/393-ivan-katchanovsi-ukraine-and-the-legacy-of-maidan-georgia-armenia/Mon, 09 Dec 2024 18:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/393-ivan-katchanovsi-ukraine-and-the-legacy-of-maidan-georgia-armenia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The War in Ukraine. Trump’s “Eastern Approaches”. The Maidan Massacre and Its Legacy. Maidanization of Georgia? Armenia in the Shadow of Ukraine.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/393/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/392-karen-kwiatkowski-turkey-nato-44-day-war-azerbaijan-armenian-intelligence-usa-south-caucasus-russia-geopolitics/Sat, 07 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/392-karen-kwiatkowski-turkey-nato-44-day-war-azerbaijan-armenian-intelligence-usa-south-caucasus-russia-geopolitics/<h1 id="topics">Topics</h1> <h2 id="introducing-karen-kwiatkowski">Introducing Karen Kwiatkowski</h2> <p>Although this is your first time on our podcast, your reputation certainly precedes you. You’re a widely respected expert on military intelligence and a vocal critic of flawed U.S. foreign policies over the years. As a founding member of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS), you’ve worked to expose the misuse of intelligence to justify war.</p> <p>During your distinguished Air Force career, you served as a Pentagon desk officer and worked with the National Security Agency (NSA). But it was your bold critiques—especially your essays exposing political corruption in military intelligence leading up to the 2003 Iraq War—that cemented your place as an important voice in this field.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/392-karen-kwiatkowski-turkey-nato-44-day-war-azerbaijan-armenian-intelligence-usa-south-caucasus-russia-geopolitics/Sat, 07 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/392-karen-kwiatkowski-turkey-nato-44-day-war-azerbaijan-armenian-intelligence-usa-south-caucasus-russia-geopolitics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Turkey’s Role in the 44-Day War. NATO and Intelligence Sharing. Global Power Rivalries. Lessons from U.S. Intelligence Practices.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/392/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20241207-transcript-392-karen-kwiatkowski-turkey-nato-44-day-war-azerbaijan-armenian-intelligence-usa-south-caucasus-russia-geopolitics/Sat, 07 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20241207-transcript-392-karen-kwiatkowski-turkey-nato-44-day-war-azerbaijan-armenian-intelligence-usa-south-caucasus-russia-geopolitics/<h1 id="topics">Topics</h1> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/392/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Karen Kwiatkowski on Turkey, NATO, and the 44-Day War | Ep 392 - Dec 7, 2024</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2024-12-07</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 392</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/392">https://podcasts.groong.org/392</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/4lTacGx0yzM">https://youtu.be/4lTacGx0yzM</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/kkwiatkowski">Ltc. Karen U. Kwiatkowski</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/kkwiatkowski">Karen Kwiatkowski</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p> </blockquote> <p><strong>Asbed:</strong> Hello and welcome to this episode of Conversations on Groong. Today we&rsquo;re diving into regional developments in the greater Middle East and beyond with intelligence expert, author and scholar, Lieutenant Colonel Karen Kwiatkowski, retired. We&rsquo;ll also explore the role of Turkey as a NATO member in the 44-day war.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/391-jeffrey-sachs-cop29-syria-azerbaijan-armenia-geopolitics-brzezinski-grand-chessboard-russia-iran-turkey/Thu, 05 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/391-jeffrey-sachs-cop29-syria-azerbaijan-armenia-geopolitics-brzezinski-grand-chessboard-russia-iran-turkey/<h1 id="syria-cop29-armenia">Syria, COP29, Armenia</h1> <p>Professor Sachs, you were recently in Armenia and Azerbaijan and we’re eager to hear your experiences. We initially wanted to focus on your visit to Armenia, but world events compel us to take a short detour.</p> <h2 id="escalation-in-syria">Escalation in Syria</h2> <p>Just as there seemed to be hope for a respite in Lebanon with a cease fire deal, which by the way is being violated daily by Israel, terrorist groups, some of whom enjoy the support, if not patronage, of Turkey, Israel and the US commenced an attack in Syria, taking control of the Aleppo and some surrounding towns and areas. Thus, a six year fragile peace that was agreed upon by Turkey, Iran, and Russia in <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/30/syrian-war-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-astana-talks">Astana</a> in 2017 was violated, increasing the instability in the region.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/391-jeffrey-sachs-cop29-syria-azerbaijan-armenia-geopolitics-brzezinski-grand-chessboard-russia-iran-turkey/Thu, 05 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/391-jeffrey-sachs-cop29-syria-azerbaijan-armenia-geopolitics-brzezinski-grand-chessboard-russia-iran-turkey/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Escalation in Syria. COP29 Summit. Can NATO save Armenia?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/391/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20241205-transcript-391-jeffrey-sachs-cop29-syria-azerbaijan-armenia-geopolitics-brzezinski-grand-chessboard-russia-iran-turkey/Thu, 05 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20241205-transcript-391-jeffrey-sachs-cop29-syria-azerbaijan-armenia-geopolitics-brzezinski-grand-chessboard-russia-iran-turkey/<h1 id="syria-cop29-armenia">Syria, COP29, Armenia</h1> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/391/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Jeffrey Sachs - Escalation in Syria, COP29, Advice for Armenia | Ep 391 - Dec 5, 2024</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2024-12-05</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 391</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/391">https://podcasts.groong.org/391</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/sG_ji42YHj8">https://youtu.be/sG_ji42YHj8</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/jsachs">Jeffrey Sachs</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/jsachs">Jeffrey Sachs</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p> </blockquote> <p><strong>Jeffrey:</strong> Hello and welcome to this Conversations on Groong episode. Today, we&rsquo;re talking with the world famous scholar Jeffrey Sachs, who is a renowned economist, a recognized public policy expert, and a professor of sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and global economic policy. We&rsquo;ll talk about the recent escalation in Syria, as well as his impressions about the recent trip that he had to Armenia and Azerbaijan.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/390-benyamin-poghosyan-cop29-azerbaijan-slams-andrzej-duda-in-armenia-syria-lebanon-georgia-after-elections-russia-and-armenia/Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/390-benyamin-poghosyan-cop29-azerbaijan-slams-andrzej-duda-in-armenia-syria-lebanon-georgia-after-elections-russia-and-armenia/<h2 id="cop29-post-mortem">COP29 Post-Mortem</h2> <p>The long-ballyhood PR-stunt that was COP29 in Baku came and went with November.</p> <p>Last year, following COP28 in Dubai, Armenia chose not to veto Azerbaijan&rsquo;s bid to host COP29, allowing its proposal to be accepted.</p> <p>Despite some nations not attending the conference, others sending only low-level representatives, and even despite Greta Thunberg <a href="https://www.rferl.org/a/greta-thunberg-azerbaijan-cop-climate/33196896.html">contributing</a> to the awareness raising campaign, Azerbaijan claimed that the event was a success.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Did Aliyev achieve what he was hoping to get out of COP29?</li> <li>What did Armenia get for agreeing to let COP29 take place in Baku?</li> </ul> <h2 id="azerbaijan-slams-polish-president">Azerbaijan Slams Polish President</h2> <p>Two weeks ago outgoing Polish president Andrzej Duda was in Baku at COP29, and this past week he <a href="https://tvpworld.com/83686082/poland-ready-to-help-stabilize-armenia-azerbaijan-relations">visited</a> Yerevan, <a href="https://oc-media.org/polish-president-affirms-plans-to-deepen-ties-with-armenia/">affirmed</a> strong relations between Poland and Armenia, and so on. More importantly, he visited the EU Mission in Armenia on the borders with Yerevan, and Baku took deep offense and <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33219344.html">slammed</a> him for provocative, anti-Azerbaijani activities from the leader of a country that has a strategic partnership with them.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/390-benyamin-poghosyan-cop29-azerbaijan-slams-andrzej-duda-in-armenia-syria-lebanon-georgia-after-elections-russia-and-armenia/Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/390-benyamin-poghosyan-cop29-azerbaijan-slams-andrzej-duda-in-armenia-syria-lebanon-georgia-after-elections-russia-and-armenia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>COP29 Post-Mortem. Azerbaijan Slams Polish President in Armenia. Developments in the Middle East. Post-election Developments in Georgia. Russian Intel Warnings to Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/390/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/388-archil-sikharulidze-georgia-elections-aftermath-abkhazia/Sat, 30 Nov 2024 21:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/388-archil-sikharulidze-georgia-elections-aftermath-abkhazia/<h1 id="georgian-election-aftermath">Georgian Election Aftermath</h1> <h2 id="constitutional-crisis">Constitutional Crisis?</h2> <p>To <a href="https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-crucial-elections-choice-russia-or-europe/33174003.html">recap</a>, on October 26 Georgia held parliamentary elections, and Georgian Dream won a 54% majority, while the combined opposition parties and alliances that cleared the 5% vote margin to get into parliament, got 37%.</p> <p>The <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/631310">international reactions</a> to the election were predictable. The West has rallied behind Georgian president Salome Zurabishvili, and called the results fraudulent. Everybody else saw the results as an expression of Georgia’s desire to steer clear of the Russia-West global firestorm raging in Ukraine.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/388-archil-sikharulidze-georgia-elections-aftermath-abkhazia/Sat, 30 Nov 2024 21:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/388-archil-sikharulidze-georgia-elections-aftermath-abkhazia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Constitutional Crisis In Georgia? Western Reactions and Escalation. Russian Reactions and Georgia’s Strategic Direction. Unrest In Abkhazia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/388/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/387-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-firings-by-text-scandalous-pashinyan-interview-escalattion-in-ukraine/Tue, 26 Nov 2024 00:20:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/387-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-firings-by-text-scandalous-pashinyan-interview-escalattion-in-ukraine/<p>November 25 is <a href="https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2024/11/25/Monte-Melkonian/3082418">Monte Melkonyan’s birthday</a>. An Armenian National Hero who embodied unwavering courage, intellect, and a selfless dedication to the liberation of Artsakh, inspiring generations with his vision of a free and secure homeland. Despite our dark days, his legacy inspires us, proving that heroes like Monte come from the strength of our people.</p> <h2 id="supreme-judicial-council-head-mps-resign-at-pashinyans-ask">Supreme Judicial Council Head, MPs resign at Pashinyan’s “Ask”</h2> <p>We all know about the spate of resignations of many of Pashinyan’s cabinet ministers, members of parliament and the head of the supreme judicial council. In fact, we covered it last week and frankly we weren’t planning to talk about it anymore.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/387-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-firings-by-text-scandalous-pashinyan-interview-escalattion-in-ukraine/Tue, 26 Nov 2024 00:20:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/387-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-firings-by-text-scandalous-pashinyan-interview-escalattion-in-ukraine/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>November 25 is Monte Melkonyan’s birthday. An Armenian National Hero who embodied unwavering courage, intellect, and a selfless dedication to the liberation of Artsakh, inspiring generations with his vision of a free and secure homeland. Despite our dark days, his legacy inspires us, proving that heroes like Monte come from the strength of our people.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/387/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/386-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-cop29-gyumri-politics-police-reform/Tue, 19 Nov 2024 21:12:55 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/386-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-cop29-gyumri-politics-police-reform/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="armenia-azerbaijan-talks">Armenia-Azerbaijan Talks</h2> <h3 id="hateful-attacks-on-declaration-of-independence">Hateful Attacks On Declaration of Independence</h3> <p>Pashinyan severely <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33202094.html">ramped up</a> his criticism of the Declaration of Independence by saying the document is about Armenia’s non-existence. Recently his hand-picked constitutional court issued the decision that he was hoping would show to Aliyev that the Declaration of Independence doesn’t carry legal force, because it is not part of the text of the constitution. But Aliyev rejected the decision and has continued insisting on his demand that Pashinyan take the constitutional change to a national referendum. We have heard Pashinyan criticize the document before, but <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fYLlTIco5o">this week’s attacks</a> bordered on hate.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/386-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-cop29-gyumri-politics-police-reform/Tue, 19 Nov 2024 21:12:55 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/386-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-cop29-gyumri-politics-police-reform/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia-Azerbaijan talks. COP29: Diplomacy and boycotts. Gyumri&rsquo;s political intrigues. Mass dismissal of Armenian government members. Police “reform”. Legislative Changes In Preparation For Elections.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/386/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/385-arthur-khachatryan-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-2025-state-budget-domestic-internal-politics/Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/385-arthur-khachatryan-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-2025-state-budget-domestic-internal-politics/<h2 id="armenia---azerbaijan-peace-treaty">Armenia - Azerbaijan “Peace Treaty”</h2> <h3 id="azerbaijan-leaks-points-of-disagreement">Azerbaijan Leaks Points of Disagreement</h3> <p>Farid Shafiyev, head of a think tank funded by the office of the Azerbaijani president, <a href="https://x.com/shafiyev_farid/status/1853426110953848900">revealed</a> the 3 points that have not been agreed upon yet:</p> <ol> <li>Change of Armenia’s constitution through referendum</li> <li>Renounce all legal claims against Azerbaijan in international courts</li> <li>Withdrawal of EU mission in Armenia</li> </ol> <p>In addition, Shafiyev talks about the “demilitarization of Armenia”:</p> <ul> <li>“I have also heard some arguments that the peace treaty cannot guarantee any sustainable security, just like the Budapest Memorandum of 1994 failed to guarantee Ukraine&rsquo;s territorial integrity despite the written commitments from signatory parties. Thus, the only guarantee is the situation on the ground - which means that Armenia should be limited in its military capacity - i.e. <strong>demilitarized</strong>.”</li> </ul> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/385-arthur-khachatryan-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-2025-state-budget-domestic-internal-politics/Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/385-arthur-khachatryan-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-2025-state-budget-domestic-internal-politics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia Azerbaijan Talks. Draft 2025 State Budget. Armenian Internal Politics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/385/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/384-suren-sargsyan-armenia-and-trump-election-as-president-again/Sat, 09 Nov 2024 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/384-suren-sargsyan-armenia-and-trump-election-as-president-again/<h1 id="armenia-and-trumps-election-as-president-again">Armenia and Trump’s Election as President Again</h1> <p>We want to look at the coming Trump presidency, especially given some of the things he has said about Ukraine, the Middle East, and of course about Armenia, and Artsakh.</p> <p>Trump will take office on January 20th, so there are around 70-75 days until then.</p> <p>But first, let’s take a look at the previous few months in the campaign and how the campaign was perceived among Armenians, including those in Armenia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/384-suren-sargsyan-armenia-and-trump-election-as-president-again/Sat, 09 Nov 2024 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/384-suren-sargsyan-armenia-and-trump-election-as-president-again/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia, Armenian Americans, Artsakh. Ukraine War, NATO, China. Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Iran.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/384/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/383-narek-malyans-political-persecutions-in-armenian/Fri, 08 Nov 2024 15:59:12 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/383-narek-malyans-political-persecutions-in-armenian/<h1 id="նարեկ-մալյանի-քաղաքական-հալածանքները">Նարեկ Մալյանի Քաղաքական Հալածանքները</h1> <p>Արդեն մոտ երկու ամիս է, ինչ ազատվել ես բանտից։ Ձեր բանտում գտնվելու մի մասը եղել է նախնական կալանքի տակ, իսկ մնացածը ձեր ստացած 1 տարվա պատիժը:</p> <p><strong>Հարցեր</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>Նախ կարո՞ղ եք մեզ ասել, թե ինչպէս եք զգում ազատության մեջ:</li> </ul> <h2 id="ազատազրկում-և-ազատում">Ազատազրկում և ազատում</h2> <p>Ինչպես ասացինք, Ձեզ դատում էին երկու տարբեր քրեական գործերով։ Այդ գործերից մեկում (Չաուշեսկուի գործը) դուք արդարացվեցիք, բայց դա չխանգարեց կառավարության դատախազներին բողոքարկել գործը: Մյուս դեպքում դուք մեղավոր եք ճանաչվել և դատապարտվել մեկ տարվա ազատազրկման։</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/383-narek-malyans-political-persecutions-in-armenian/Fri, 08 Nov 2024 15:59:12 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/383-narek-malyans-political-persecutions-in-armenian/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Կալանավորում, մեկ տարի բանտում (Arrest, one year in prison). Նախնական կալանք որպես պատիժ (Pretrial detention as punishment). Ընտրովի «արդարադատություն» ընդդիմադիրների նկատմամբ (Selective &ldquo;justice&rdquo; towards oppositionists). Արեւմուտքի լռությունը (The silence of the West).</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/383/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/382-benyamin-poghosyan-china-brics-new-world-order-armenia-at-kazan-summit-georgian-elections-2024/Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/382-benyamin-poghosyan-china-brics-new-world-order-armenia-at-kazan-summit-georgian-elections-2024/<h1 id="china-brics-new-world-order-2024-georgian-elections">China, BRICS, New World Order, 2024 Georgian elections</h1> <p>In recent years there have been a lot of discussions at academic and expert level, and also in political circles, about the transformation of the current world order from the unipolar system, which emerged after the end of the Cold War in 1991, into a more complex multipolar security architecture. China, as well as BRICS, are viewed as driving forces of this transformation.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/382-benyamin-poghosyan-china-brics-new-world-order-armenia-at-kazan-summit-georgian-elections-2024/Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/382-benyamin-poghosyan-china-brics-new-world-order-armenia-at-kazan-summit-georgian-elections-2024/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>China, and the New World Order. BRICS Summit and Multipolarity. Armenia at BRICS. Georgian Elections in 2024.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/382/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/381-johnny-melikian-georgia-elections-2024/Sun, 03 Nov 2024 03:38:02 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/381-johnny-melikian-georgia-elections-2024/<h1 id="in-the-wake-of-the-georgian-election">In the Wake of the Georgian Election</h1> <h2 id="election-outcome">Election Outcome</h2> <p>To sum up the results, the ruling party Georgian Dream got around 54 percent of the votes, while 4 opposition parties overcame the 5 percent threshold. Despite criticism, the OSCE and international observers have essentially accepted the election results and are ready to work with the new government.</p> <p>Not so with the US (and supported by the <a href="https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/10/28/eu-calls-for-swift-probe-of-alleged-georgian-election-irregularities">EU</a>). Secretary of State Blinken <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/631791">called</a> for a full investigation into “breaches of international norms” during the elections. In that vein, Georgian president Salome Zourabishvili and the opposition parties are <a href="https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-parliamentary-vote-violence-intimidation-russia-west/33175194.html">rejecting</a> the election results, and also alleging that there was Russian interference without providing supporting evidence. She and umbrella civil society NGO “My Vote” are <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/631251">alleging</a> systematic and massive voter fraud affecting over 300,000 votes, and demanding the annulment of the election results.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/381-johnny-melikian-georgia-elections-2024/Sun, 03 Nov 2024 03:38:02 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/381-johnny-melikian-georgia-elections-2024/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Georgian Elections Outcome. Political Landscape. Effect on Armenia and Beyond.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/381/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/380-harut-sassounian-armenian-americans-and-the-2024-us-presidential-elections/Sat, 02 Nov 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/380-harut-sassounian-armenian-americans-and-the-2024-us-presidential-elections/<h1 id="armenian-americans-and-the-2024-us-presidential-elections">Armenian Americans and the 2024 US Presidential Elections</h1> <p>When it comes to the two major presidential candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, their records are pretty dismal. In fact, some would say that their records have been inimical to Armenia.</p> <p>During Trump’s term, the United States continued to provide military aid to Azerbaijan. Trump <a href="https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-22-104619">continued</a> to <a href="https://www.gao.gov/assets/720/718806.pdf">waive</a> Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act until the start of the 2020 war. Trump was unable or unwilling to deter Turkey, a NATO member, from directly participating in the 2020 war, which was a decisive factor in Azerbaijan’s criminal war.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/380-harut-sassounian-armenian-americans-and-the-2024-us-presidential-elections/Sat, 02 Nov 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/380-harut-sassounian-armenian-americans-and-the-2024-us-presidential-elections/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>GIVE to GROONG. linktr.ee/Groong. Harut Sassounian.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/380/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/379-anna-karapetyan-brics-summit-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-cop29-euro-parliament-resolution/Thu, 31 Oct 2024 06:10:36 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/379-anna-karapetyan-brics-summit-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-cop29-euro-parliament-resolution/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="brics-summit">BRICS Summit</h2> <p>During the BRICS summit held last week in Kazan, Russia, Armenia participated as an observer. While Pashinyan acknowledged the group’s agenda positively, the Armenian Foreign Ministry <a href="https://interfax.com/newsroom/top-stories/106857/">emphasized</a> that Armenia has no plans to become a BRICS member.</p> <p>A notable <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33171946.html">outcome</a> of Armenia&rsquo;s participation was Pashinyan’s meeting with Ilham Aliyev. In a short statement released afterwards, they instructed their foreign ministers to continue peace deal discussions “in order to finalize and sign it as soon as possible.” Pashinyan at the summit repeated that at least 80-90% of the content of the so-called peace deal is finalized and expressed his readiness to sign an interim document with only the content that is so far agreed upon, but in the past Azerbaijan has repeatedly stood its ground, demanding that complete agreement is reached on all points.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/379-anna-karapetyan-brics-summit-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-cop29-euro-parliament-resolution/Thu, 31 Oct 2024 06:10:36 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/379-anna-karapetyan-brics-summit-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-cop29-euro-parliament-resolution/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia at the BRICS Summit. Armenia Azerbaijan Talks. Armenia at COP29. European Parliament Resolution.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/379/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/378-aram-suren-hamparian-armenia-americans-and-the-2024-us-presidential-elections-armenia-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh/Sun, 27 Oct 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/378-aram-suren-hamparian-armenia-americans-and-the-2024-us-presidential-elections-armenia-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh/<h2 id="the-hamparian-flag">The Hamparian Flag</h2> <p><p class="md__image"> <img src="https://podcasts.groong.org/img/episode/378/Hamparian-Flag-20241025.webp" alt="The Hamparian Flag" title="Aram Hamparian&#39;s family flag from the US navy" class="img-fluid" /> </p> </p> <h2 id="grading-methodology">Grading Methodology</h2> <p><strong>Questions</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>How does the ANCA assess, or grade, elected politicians on Armenian-American issues?</li> <li>Are there any candidates who stand out and were essentially no-brainer recommendations for the ANCA?</li> </ul> <h2 id="presidential-candidates">Presidential Candidates</h2> <p>When it comes to the two major presidential candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, their records are pretty dismal.</p> <p><strong>Questions</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>What’s your assessment of Harris and Trump?</li> <li>What’s the ANCA’s guidance on how to vote for president?</li> </ul> <p>There are other candidates on the presidential ballot, like the Green Party’s Jill Stein, a perennial presence, sort of like a modern day Ralph Nader.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/378-aram-suren-hamparian-armenia-americans-and-the-2024-us-presidential-elections-armenia-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh/Sun, 27 Oct 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/378-aram-suren-hamparian-armenia-americans-and-the-2024-us-presidential-elections-armenia-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>ANCA Endorsements Methodology. On the Major Presidential Candidates. Arab-Americans Still Uncommitted. Where is the Armenian Vote?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/378/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/377-sopo-japaridze-georgian-parliamentary-elections-october-2024/Fri, 25 Oct 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/377-sopo-japaridze-georgian-parliamentary-elections-october-2024/<h1 id="introduction">Introduction</h1> <p>Hello, and welcome to this <strong>Conversations on Groong</strong> episode.</p> <p>First off as always, thanks to our listeners for your valuable and often insightful comments. Keep them coming, and Like and Share our shows to your friends!</p> <p>But we have another request today as well.</p> <p>Hundreds of you listen to our shows through their podcast apps. If you listen to our show on Apple Podcasts, - for example on your iPhone, or iPad, or your Mac computers, please consider rating our show and leave a brief review! We have 18 reviews and we&rsquo;d love to get dozens more. That will help us become more visible, and we’re always interested in reaching a wider audience.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/377-sopo-japaridze-georgian-parliamentary-elections-october-2024/Fri, 25 Oct 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/377-sopo-japaridze-georgian-parliamentary-elections-october-2024/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Georgian Elections in 2024. Election Landscape. Themes of the Campaigns. Comparison with Moldova 2024. Outcomes and Expectations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/377/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/376-sergei-melkonian-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-elections-in-moldova-georgia-iran-russia-relations-brics-in-kazan-russia/Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/376-sergei-melkonian-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-elections-in-moldova-georgia-iran-russia-relations-brics-in-kazan-russia/<h2 id="armenian-azerbaijani-talks">Armenian Azerbaijani Talks</h2> <h3 id="33-meeting-in-istanbul">3+3 Meeting In Istanbul</h3> <p>After Moscow and Tehran, this year it was Istanbul&rsquo;s turn to hold the <a href="https://nournews.ir/en/news/194743/Iran-welcomes-progress-in-Armenia-Azerbaijan-peace-talks">third meeting</a> of the so-called “3+3” platform, which took place this past week. During the summit, Mirzoyan met with Bayramov, as part of the current bilateral format of meetings.</p> <p>We’re not aware of any results, at least none were reported, but the “Big 3”, Russia, Turkey and Iran <a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1202659">proposed</a> to Armenia and Azerbaijan to move their “peace process” negotiations to the 3+3, in order to achieve a regional solution. At this time neither Armenia nor Azerbaijan have responded to the offer.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/376-sergei-melkonian-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-elections-in-moldova-georgia-iran-russia-relations-brics-in-kazan-russia/Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/376-sergei-melkonian-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-elections-in-moldova-georgia-iran-russia-relations-brics-in-kazan-russia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia Azerbaijan Talks. Elections in Moldova and Georgia. Iran Russia Relations. BRICS Summit in Kaza, Russia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/376/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/375-politics-political-science-and-national-identity-in-georgia-georgian-armenian-relations/Mon, 21 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/375-politics-political-science-and-national-identity-in-georgia-georgian-armenian-relations/<h1 id="political-science-and-politics-in-georgia">Political Science and Politics in Georgia</h1> <p>Since this is your first time with us, would you tell us about yourself, and the interests that have led you to explore political science, and what drew you to your specific field of research?</p> <p>Questions:</p> <ul> <li>How did your academic journey, from studying at RUDN in Moscow to your work at Caucasus International University in Georgia, shape your perspectives on the region’s political landscape?</li> <li>Can you share what inspired you to focus specifically on the intersection of media studies and regime transformation in the South Caucasus? What are the most pressing challenges in this area today?</li> </ul> <h2 id="political-science-in-georgia">Political Science in Georgia</h2> <p>In your recent <a href="https://www.interanalytics.org/jour/article/view/555/461">paper</a> “Political Science in Georgia: Epistemology and Determinants”, which you co-authored with Dr. Archil Sikharulidze, a guest and friend of our podcast, you discuss the state of Political Science as a field of study in Georgia. You note the heavy influence of Western theories, such as liberalism, neoliberalism, institutional liberalism, etc. and the role of external actors like the US and the EU, in shaping academia in post-Soviet Georgia, where the absence of a deeply rooted field of study led to an emphasis on democracy promotion and civic education, rather than a critical search for alternative approaches to political studies. You also argue that the fact that Georgia scholars in this field relied heavily on Western funding may have influenced the situation on the ground.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/375-politics-political-science-and-national-identity-in-georgia-georgian-armenian-relations/Mon, 21 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/375-politics-political-science-and-national-identity-in-georgia-georgian-armenian-relations/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Political Science in Georgia. Elections and Potential Political Pivot. Influences on Georgian Identity. Georgia-Armenia Relations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/375/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/374-dziunik-aghajanian-azerbaijan-escalates-threats-russia-armenia-relations-eat-rice-not-wheat-srbazan-movement-regional-geopolitics-georgian-elections/Tue, 15 Oct 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/374-dziunik-aghajanian-azerbaijan-escalates-threats-russia-armenia-relations-eat-rice-not-wheat-srbazan-movement-regional-geopolitics-georgian-elections/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="azerbaijan-escalates-threats">Azerbaijan Escalates Threats</h2> <p>Azerbaijani MOD <a href="https://mod.gov.az/en/news/colonel-general-zakir-hasanov-our-primary-objective-is-to-enhance-military-power-and-combat-capability-as-well-as-train-53112.html">held an official meeting</a>, involving major divisions and leadership of their armed forces. The message communicated through their announcement was “to be ready to take preventive measures against all possible provocations of revanchist forces on the conditional border”.</p> <p>That Azerbaijan is building up and getting ready for some kind of provocation is beyond doubt. But experts we’ve previously talked to say that Azerbaijan would not go for such a move preceding or during COP29 which is planned to be held in Baku between Nov 11 - 22, due to reputational concerns.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/374-dziunik-aghajanian-azerbaijan-escalates-threats-russia-armenia-relations-eat-rice-not-wheat-srbazan-movement-regional-geopolitics-georgian-elections/Tue, 15 Oct 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/374-dziunik-aghajanian-azerbaijan-escalates-threats-russia-armenia-relations-eat-rice-not-wheat-srbazan-movement-regional-geopolitics-georgian-elections/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijan Escalates Threats. Russia-Armenia Relations. Eat Rice, not Wheat, Have some Cold Winters! Srbazan Movement Update. Regional Geopolitics. Iran-Russia. Israel-Iran. Georgian Elections.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/374/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/373-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-escalation-in-middle-east-armenian-constitutional-court-punts-brics-summit/Tue, 08 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/373-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-escalation-in-middle-east-armenian-constitutional-court-punts-brics-summit/<h2 id="armenian-azerbaijani-talks">Armenian Azerbaijani Talks</h2> <p>Every week there are <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33145289.html">new demands from Aliyev</a> in the process of talks between the countries, and this week was no different. Now additionally he wants apologies for Armenian “war crimes”, and maps of mass graves of Azeris killed during the wars between the countries.</p> <p>At the EAEU meeting in Yerevan this past week, Pashinyan <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33142259.html">told</a> the participants, including Russian deputy PM Mikhail Mishustin, that Armenia never agreed to curb its sovereignty. Meanwhile, FSB chief Aleksandr Bortnikov <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33146457.html">said</a> in Moscow that the West is pushing Armenia to leave the CSTO in order to install NATO in that military vacuum, and that they are “persuading Armenia to drag on the negotiations with Azerbaijan.”</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/373-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-escalation-in-middle-east-armenian-constitutional-court-punts-brics-summit/Tue, 08 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/373-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-escalation-in-middle-east-armenian-constitutional-court-punts-brics-summit/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian Azerbaijani Talks. Escalation in the Middle East. Constitutional Court Punts. Upcoming BRICS Summit.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/373/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/372-vahram-ter-matevosyan-the-dynamics-of-identity-and-geopolitics-in-the-south-caucasus/Sat, 05 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/372-vahram-ter-matevosyan-the-dynamics-of-identity-and-geopolitics-in-the-south-caucasus/<h1 id="the-dynamics-of-identity-and-geopolitics-in-the-south-caucasus">The Dynamics of Identity and Geopolitics in the South Caucasus</h1> <p>In your recent paper, <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08865655.2023.2200782">From Transcaucasia to the South Caucasus: Structural and Discursive Predicaments in Armenia’s Regional Integration</a> (June 2023), you document the perception of Armenia within the wider geopolitical region over time. Over the past 200 years, the constant is that Armenia has largely perceived its destiny to be linked with Russia. Yet, with the outcome of the 2020 war in Artsakh and other larger geopolitical shifts, this perception is currently in the process of being challenged.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/372-vahram-ter-matevosyan-the-dynamics-of-identity-and-geopolitics-in-the-south-caucasus/Sat, 05 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/372-vahram-ter-matevosyan-the-dynamics-of-identity-and-geopolitics-in-the-south-caucasus/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian Identity and Integration in the South Caucasus. On the Nature and Thinking of the Armenian Constitution. Relations with Russia Through Time. The Geopolitics Around the South Caucasus.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/372/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/371-hrant-mikaelian-september-27-start-of-44-day-war-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-parliament-approves-draft-2025-state-budget/Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/371-hrant-mikaelian-september-27-start-of-44-day-war-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-parliament-approves-draft-2025-state-budget/<h2 id="sep-27-start-of-the-44-day-war">Sep 27: Start of the 44-Day War</h2> <p>Last week marked the 4th anniversary of the beginning of the 44-Day war which culminated a year ago with the complete ethnic cleansing of Artsakh by Azerbaijan.</p> <p>Some key notes to keep in mind:</p> <ul> <li>The people whose mistakes led to the war are still in power. The same people whose mistakes led to the death of 5,000 Armenians, and over 10,000 Armenian families destroyed, or injured, or destituted, remain in power and their continuing mistakes led to over 150,000 Armenians to be forced out of their homes and their lands last year. And this past week they said they will make <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33129689.html">more mistakes</a>. Literally, they said that.</li> <li>An independent war commission was never convened. If there was any investigation it was only in name and there’s been no real accountability for the damage done to the nation, and the government continues to act in secrecy and behind the backs of the Armenian people.</li> <li>The same losers of the war continue in power today, negotiating national interests with enemies of Armenia, in exchange for being allowed to stay in power.</li> <li>In fact, the war continues to this day and every step is either a new voluntary concession by Pashinyan to Azerbaijan, or a new military operation resulting in more land losses; like a coordinated one-two punch.</li> <li>After Sep 27 2020, we had 2 more wars… In June of 2021 when Azerbaijan captured several areas of the Gegharkunik region. Then in Jermuk in September 2022, when in one day we had more than 200 dead.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/371-hrant-mikaelian-september-27-start-of-44-day-war-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-parliament-approves-draft-2025-state-budget/Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/371-hrant-mikaelian-september-27-start-of-44-day-war-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-parliament-approves-draft-2025-state-budget/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Tavush Protests Gain Momentum. Pashinyan Pressing Ahead with Land Concessions. Poll Results on Tavush Protests.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/371/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/370-nikoloz-bitsadze-upcoming-georgian-elections-in-october-2024/Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/370-nikoloz-bitsadze-upcoming-georgian-elections-in-october-2024/<h1 id="georgian-elections-in-2024-amidst-global-currents">Georgian Elections in 2024 Amidst Global Currents</h1> <h2 id="election-and-politics">Election and Politics</h2> <p>Georgia&rsquo;s parliamentary elections are set for October 26, and political tensions are rising. The ruling Georgian Dream party has clashed with the West, with the EU pausing Georgia&rsquo;s candidacy for membership, and both the US and EU imposing sanctions on its party leaders. This rift began with the &ldquo;Transparency of Foreign Influence&rdquo; law and other conservative legislative initiatives. Georgia&rsquo;s refusal to support certain anti-Russian measures during the Ukraine war has also strained relations. Georgian Dream appears to have doubled down on its stance, naming Bidzina Ivanishvili, Irakli Kobakhidze, and Irakli Gharibashvili as lead candidates.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/370-nikoloz-bitsadze-upcoming-georgian-elections-in-october-2024/Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/370-nikoloz-bitsadze-upcoming-georgian-elections-in-october-2024/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Election, Politics, and The Geopolitical Context. Who are the Major External Influencers in Georgia’s Politics? Is Talk of Civilizational Catastrophe, or Rapprochement with Abkhazia/South Ossetia Election-time Populism? Neutrality and Georgian-Armenian Relations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/370/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/368-arthur-martirosyan-armenian-independence-day-third-republic-september-21-strategic-partnerships-armenia-azerbaijan-talks/Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:20:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/368-arthur-martirosyan-armenian-independence-day-third-republic-september-21-strategic-partnerships-armenia-azerbaijan-talks/<h2 id="day-of-independence-of-the-third-republic-sep-21">Day of Independence of the Third Republic, Sep. 21</h2> <p>Last week, Saturday, September 21, was Armenia’s Independence Day. The country turned 33 years old.</p> <p>Before the 2020 war, it used to be a reminder of the resilience and enduring spirit of the Armenian people, who, throughout centuries of hardship, have preserved their culture, language, and identity. Independence is not just a date on the calendar—it is the foundation of our nationhood, and it gives us a chance to reflect on the past, celebrate our achievements, and strengthen our hope for the future.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/368-arthur-martirosyan-armenian-independence-day-third-republic-september-21-strategic-partnerships-armenia-azerbaijan-talks/Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:20:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/368-arthur-martirosyan-armenian-independence-day-third-republic-september-21-strategic-partnerships-armenia-azerbaijan-talks/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian Day of Independence: Sep. 21. “Strategic Partnerships”. Armenian Azerbaijani Talks.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/368/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/367-pascal-lottaz-neutrality-studies-armenia-multipolar-world/Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/367-pascal-lottaz-neutrality-studies-armenia-multipolar-world/<h1 id="neutrality-in-a-multipolar-world">Neutrality in a Multipolar World</h1> <h2 id="neutrality-studies">Neutrality Studies</h2> <p>Since this is your first time with us, would you tell us about yourself, and the interests that have led you to the formal study of the concept of “Neutrality”?</p> <p>Your university in Japan, University of Kyoto, seems to be one of the few places around the world that has a formal neutrality studies program.</p> <p><strong>Question:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What is neutrality and what is the theoretical basis for Neutrality Studies? <ul> <li>When was the term introduced or coined?</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>Let’s relate to an old saying attributed to Edmond Burke, that “the only thing necessary for evil to triumph in the world is for good men to do nothing”.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/367-pascal-lottaz-neutrality-studies-armenia-multipolar-world/Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/367-pascal-lottaz-neutrality-studies-armenia-multipolar-world/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>What is Neutrality Studies? Rise of the Multi-Polar World.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/367/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/366-arthur-khachatryan-politics-and-economy-inarmenia-fall-2024/Sat, 21 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/366-arthur-khachatryan-politics-and-economy-inarmenia-fall-2024/<h1 id="politics-and-economy-in-armenia-fall-2024">Politics and Economy in Armenia, Fall 2024</h1> <h2 id="armenian-governments-track-record">Armenian Government’s Track Record</h2> <p>Let&rsquo;s start by taking a broad look at Pashinyan and the Civil Contract&rsquo;s time in power.</p> <ul> <li>The loss in the 44-day war;</li> <li>an economy that seems to be growing but is mostly due to re-exports;</li> <li>how they&rsquo;ve handled traditional alliances, their views on the church and education;</li> <li>the strained relationship between Armenia and the Diaspora;</li> <li>and of course the so-called “peace negotiations” with Azerbaijan.</li> </ul> <p>There seem to be a lot of unanswered questions.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/366-arthur-khachatryan-politics-and-economy-inarmenia-fall-2024/Sat, 21 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/366-arthur-khachatryan-politics-and-economy-inarmenia-fall-2024/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Government’s Track Record. The State of the Economy. “Pivot to the West”. Elections in Georgia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/366/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/365-sergei-melkonian-sept-12-13-anniversary-between-blinken-and-a-hard-place-more-usaid-for-armenia-georgia-parliamentary-elections/Thu, 19 Sep 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/365-sergei-melkonian-sept-12-13-anniversary-between-blinken-and-a-hard-place-more-usaid-for-armenia-georgia-parliamentary-elections/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="sep-12-13-anniversary">Sep 12-13 Anniversary</h2> <p>More than 2 years since the Azerbaijani war on Armenia, ending up with occupation of more than 200 sq km (approx. size of Yerevan) in Vayots Dzor and Syunik.</p> <p>In the aftermath, we have:</p> <ul> <li>More than 200 soldiers were killed, some were brutally murdered in what can be described as full fledged war crimes.</li> <li>In Jermuk, one of Armenia’s most touristic cities, Azeri soldiers are less than 5km from the town.</li> <li>We’re not aware that Armenia is pursuing any international legal action related to these war crimes.</li> <li>A full list of names was never released and the anniversary of such a tragedy was not observed at a state level.</li> <li>And despite demarcation and delimitation ostensibly being presented as a fair mechanism for resolving border issues, Aliyev has said he will never leave those territories and there’s no indication that Armenia under Pashinyan will ever demand these territories.</li> </ul> <p>The following day, Pashinyan in parliament said that “we want to sign a paper for which we will be called traitors”. Next month, on Oct. 5, 2022, Pashinyan went to Prague to sign away Artsakh.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/365-sergei-melkonian-sept-12-13-anniversary-between-blinken-and-a-hard-place-more-usaid-for-armenia-georgia-parliamentary-elections/Thu, 19 Sep 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/365-sergei-melkonian-sept-12-13-anniversary-between-blinken-and-a-hard-place-more-usaid-for-armenia-georgia-parliamentary-elections/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>September 12-13 Anniversary. Between Blinken and a Hard Place. More USAID for Armenia. Georgian Parliamentary Elections.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/365/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/364-giro-manoyan-the-arf-in-armenia-politics-opposition-bagrat-srbazan-tavush-movement/Mon, 16 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/364-giro-manoyan-the-arf-in-armenia-politics-opposition-bagrat-srbazan-tavush-movement/<h1 id="the-arf-in-armenias-politics">The ARF in Armenia’s Politics</h1> <h2 id="role-of-the-opposition">Role of the Opposition</h2> <p>In 2021 the ARF helped form the Hayastan Dashinq, or Armenia Alliance and entered the National Assembly along with Pativ Unem as the 2 main opposition political forces.</p> <p>Unfortunately, the ruling party was able to win a supermajority, passing laws at will, while the opposition has struggled to block measures harmful to Armenia’s national interests. Since the 2021 elections, opposition figures have faced arrests, particularly mayors, the legal system has been purged, and unconstitutional concessions have been made to Azerbaijan. In short, the opposition has been largely ineffective.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/364-giro-manoyan-the-arf-in-armenia-politics-opposition-bagrat-srbazan-tavush-movement/Mon, 16 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/364-giro-manoyan-the-arf-in-armenia-politics-opposition-bagrat-srbazan-tavush-movement/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Role of the Opposition. Relations with the Tavush Movement. Relations with the Diaspora.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/364/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/363-david-darchiashvili-upcoming-georgian-elections-in-october-2024/Sat, 14 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/363-david-darchiashvili-upcoming-georgian-elections-in-october-2024/<h2 id="election-and-politics">Election and Politics</h2> <p>Georgia is holding parliamentary elections on October 26, and the internal political rhetoric is heating up.</p> <p>We know that there is a big rift between the current Georgian Dream ruling party and the West to the point where the EU has paused Georgia’s EU candidacy and has imposed a number of sanctions against the ruling party leadership after the recent law “On Transparency of Foreign Influence”, which the West calls the “Foreign Agent Law” (or even “Putin’s Law”?), and other legislative changes that were introduced in the country.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/363-david-darchiashvili-upcoming-georgian-elections-in-october-2024/Sat, 14 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/363-david-darchiashvili-upcoming-georgian-elections-in-october-2024/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Election and Politics, and The Geopolitical Context. Who are the Major External Influencers in Georgia’s Politics? Why is the EU hell bent against the Law on “Foreign Agents”? Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Russia Relations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/363/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/362-vardan-aramyan-armenian-economy-in-2024/Fri, 13 Sep 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/362-vardan-aramyan-armenian-economy-in-2024/<h1 id="armenias-economy-in-2024">Armenia’s Economy in 2024</h1> <h2 id="inflation">Inflation</h2> <p>Let’s start in a place where the news is not so bad at least on paper, and from where most people’s impressions come from about the economy: Inflation.</p> <p>Armenia was subject to the same global inflationary currents as everyone else after the Covid pandemic, and experienced 10% plus inflation rates until early 2023. For most of 2024 reported inflation has been essentially zero, with the first 7 months <a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1198349">recording</a> -0.3% inflation. So a slight amount of price deflation at the consumer level. The producer price index is at 2.8%, perhaps showing a modest amount of inflation in the pipeline.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/362-vardan-aramyan-armenian-economy-in-2024/Fri, 13 Sep 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/362-vardan-aramyan-armenian-economy-in-2024/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Inflation. Monetary Policy. Economic Performance. Remittances. National Debt. Economic Outlook. References.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/362/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/361-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-shuts-zangezur-corridor-talk-trade-routes-accountability-in-foreign-intel-service-georgia-azerbaijan-elections/Thu, 12 Sep 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/361-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-shuts-zangezur-corridor-talk-trade-routes-accountability-in-foreign-intel-service-georgia-azerbaijan-elections/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="iran-shuts-down-zangezur-corridor-dreams">Iran Shuts Down “Zangezur Corridor Dreams”</h2> <h3 id="iran-warns-russia-to-back-off">Iran Warns Russia to Back Off</h3> <p>Following Putin’s visit to Baku a couple of weeks ago, Russia’s <a href="https://asbarez.com/lavrov-accuses-yerevan-of-sabotaging-deal-to-open-transit-routes/">rhetoric</a> became very harsh about Armenia blocking transportation links through Syunik, which Azerbaijan and Turkey call the “Zangezur Corridor”. We also know that there is significant pressure from the West (whether it is the EU or the US) on Armenia and Azerbaijan to open up Armenia to Turkish-Azeri connectivity.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/361-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-shuts-zangezur-corridor-talk-trade-routes-accountability-in-foreign-intel-service-georgia-azerbaijan-elections/Thu, 12 Sep 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/361-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-shuts-zangezur-corridor-talk-trade-routes-accountability-in-foreign-intel-service-georgia-azerbaijan-elections/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Iran Shuts Down Talk of “Zangezur Corridor”. Armenia Azerbaijan Talks. Iran Armenia Trade / BRICS. Foreign Intelligence Service. Georgian and Azerbaijani Elections.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/361/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/360-aram-suren-hamparian-armenia-american-priorities-in-2024-elections-armenia-artsakh/Fri, 06 Sep 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/360-aram-suren-hamparian-armenia-american-priorities-in-2024-elections-armenia-artsakh/<h1 id="armenian-american-priorities-in-the-2024-us-elections">Armenian American Priorities in the 2024 US Elections</h1> <p>The Democratic and Republican national conventions have come and gone with great pomp and circumstance, and we now know the major candidates vying for the presidency of the United States: Donald Trump &amp; JD Vance on the Republican side, vs Kamala Harris and Tim Walz on the Democrat side.</p> <p>Aram, up until president Biden’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide, and then Congress’s near unanimous affirmation, the top Armenian-American priority in advocating for our causes was recognition of the Genocide.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/360-aram-suren-hamparian-armenia-american-priorities-in-2024-elections-armenia-artsakh/Fri, 06 Sep 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/360-aram-suren-hamparian-armenia-american-priorities-in-2024-elections-armenia-artsakh/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia, Artsakh and the 2024 US Elections. On the Major Presidential Candidates. On the Vice President Candidates. On the National Security Apparatus. Arab-American “Uncommitted” Movement. And the Armenian Vote goes to….</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/360/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/359-glenn-diesen-russia-new-world-order-armenia-multipolarity/Wed, 04 Sep 2024 12:03:30 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/359-glenn-diesen-russia-new-world-order-armenia-multipolarity/<h1 id="russia-and-the-eurasian-world-order">Russia and The Eurasian World Order</h1> <p>It is the first time that you’re on our podcast. Obviously, in academia, especially in international relations, you’re a well known name. Can you introduce yourself to our audience?</p> <p><strong>Questions</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>How did you decide to go into a career in academia in international relations? Was it always your first choice?</li> </ul> <p>Now let’s talk about the Ukraine war in more detail.</p> <p>You live in Norway, which is a NATO member and a major supporter of Ukraine in this current war. In 2022 and 2023 combined, Norway <a href="https://www.regjeringen.no/en/topics/foreign-affairs/humanitarian-efforts/neighbour_support/id2908141/">provided</a> over $3B (30.6B NOK) in aid to Ukraine and has pledged to provide significantly more in coming years. This includes military support, such as F16 fighter jets.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/359-glenn-diesen-russia-new-world-order-armenia-multipolarity/Wed, 04 Sep 2024 12:03:30 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/359-glenn-diesen-russia-new-world-order-armenia-multipolarity/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Norwegian &amp; NATO Support for Ukraine. “The Ukraine War &amp; the Eurasian World Order”. Small States and Multipolarity. Armenia&rsquo;s Position in a Multipolar World.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/359/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20240904-transcript-359-glenn-diesen-russia-new-world-order-armenia-multipolarity/Wed, 04 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20240904-transcript-359-glenn-diesen-russia-new-world-order-armenia-multipolarity/<h1 id="russia-and-the-eurasian-world-order">Russia and The Eurasian World Order</h1> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/359/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Glenn Diesen - Russia and The Eurasian World Order | Ep 359 - Sep 4, 2024</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong - September 4, 2024</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2024-09-04</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 359</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/359">https://podcasts.groong.org/359</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/lgpgyOmiQ04">https://youtu.be/lgpgyOmiQ04</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/gdiesen">Glenn Diesen</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/gdiesen">Glenn Diesen</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/358-benyamin-poghosyan-declarations-of-armenian-and-nagorno-karabakh-independence-putin-in-baku-azerbaijan-applies-to-brics/Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/358-benyamin-poghosyan-declarations-of-armenian-and-nagorno-karabakh-independence-putin-in-baku-azerbaijan-applies-to-brics/<h2 id="declarations-of-independence">Declarations of Independence</h2> <p>The past 10 days were memorable with 2 notable anniversaries:</p> <ul> <li>On August 23, 1990 the declaration of state sovereignty was adopted in the Supreme Soviet of the Armenian SSR.</li> <li>On September 2, 1991 the Republic of Artsakh declared its independence from the Soviet Union.</li> </ul> <p>It is interesting to note that the August 23 declaration in Armenia referred to the desire to unify the Armenian SSR, Nagorno Karabakh (NKAO), and the region of Shahumyan. Meanwhile, a year later, the authorities of Artsakh at the time decided to go for full independence, with their declaration.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/358-benyamin-poghosyan-declarations-of-armenian-and-nagorno-karabakh-independence-putin-in-baku-azerbaijan-applies-to-brics/Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/358-benyamin-poghosyan-declarations-of-armenian-and-nagorno-karabakh-independence-putin-in-baku-azerbaijan-applies-to-brics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia Azerbaijan Talks. Declarations of Independence. Declaration of State Sovereignty of Armenia (1990). Artsakh Independence Day - September 2 (1991). Pashinyan Press Conference. Negotiations Formats. Artsakh Rights &amp; Security as Pashinyan’s “National Security” Problem. Armenian and Azerbaijani Constitutions. Liberating Occupied Armenian Territories. Putin in Baku. Azerbaijan’s Application to BRICS.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/358/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/357-pietro-shakarian-russia-iran-armenia-relations-ukraine-kursk-pavel-durov-syunik-petrozavodsk-anastas-mikoyan/Sat, 31 Aug 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/357-pietro-shakarian-russia-iran-armenia-relations-ukraine-kursk-pavel-durov-syunik-petrozavodsk-anastas-mikoyan/<h2 id="russia-and-iran-in-a-north-south-axis">Russia and Iran in a North-South Axis</h2> <p>Russian Iranian relations have never been closer than they’ve been since the war in Ukraine began. The Russian, Ottoman and Persian empires have always clashed in the South Caucasus and traded territories between them, but it’s only since the fall of the Soviet Union, and perhaps more specifically since the fall and ethnic cleansing of Artsakh that Russia has recognized how strategic its relations are with Iran, in the modern world.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/357-pietro-shakarian-russia-iran-armenia-relations-ukraine-kursk-pavel-durov-syunik-petrozavodsk-anastas-mikoyan/Sat, 31 Aug 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/357-pietro-shakarian-russia-iran-armenia-relations-ukraine-kursk-pavel-durov-syunik-petrozavodsk-anastas-mikoyan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Russian-Iranian Relations. Russian-Armenian Relations. Ukraine’s Kursk Gambit. Pavel Durov Arrested in France. Observations from Armenia and Russia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/357/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/356-archil-sikharulidze-georgian-politics-amidst-global-currents-attacks-on-georgian-church-book-on-georgian-russian-relations/Fri, 23 Aug 2024 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/356-archil-sikharulidze-georgian-politics-amidst-global-currents-attacks-on-georgian-church-book-on-georgian-russian-relations/<h1 id="georgian-elections-in-2024">Georgian Elections in 2024</h1> <h2 id="georgian-politics-amidst-global-currents">Georgian Politics Amidst Global Currents</h2> <p>Georgia is holding parliamentary elections in October 2024 and the internal political rhetoric is heating up.</p> <p>We know that there is a big rift between the current Georgian Dream ruling party and the West to the point where Georgia’s EU candidacy has been paused and a number of sanctions have been imposed against the ruling party leadership after the recent law “On Transparency of Foreign Influence”, more commonly known as the “Foreign Agent Law”, among other anti-liberal legislative changes introduced in the country.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/356-archil-sikharulidze-georgian-politics-amidst-global-currents-attacks-on-georgian-church-book-on-georgian-russian-relations/Fri, 23 Aug 2024 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/356-archil-sikharulidze-georgian-politics-amidst-global-currents-attacks-on-georgian-church-book-on-georgian-russian-relations/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Georgian Politics, Amidst Global Currents. Attacks Against the Georgian Church. Thoughts on Russian and Georgian Relations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/356/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/355-anna-karapetyan-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-transportation-links-osce-minsk-group-goris-kapan-road-cover-up/Mon, 19 Aug 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/355-anna-karapetyan-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-transportation-links-osce-minsk-group-goris-kapan-road-cover-up/<h2 id="armenia-azerbaijan-talks">Armenia-Azerbaijan Talks</h2> <p>Armenia and Azerbaijan <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33029885.html">participated</a> in a NATO summit in Yerevan at the request of Secretary of State Blinken, but they could not reach any new agreements. Since then Assistant Secretary James O’Brien visited Baku, and to all accounts the US is exerting some pressure on Aliyev to sign an agreement, and soon.</p> <p>A couple of interesting developments occurred this past week:</p> <ol> <li>The sides <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33070066.html">confirmed</a> that the “transport links” provision, this is Baku’s so-called “Zangezur corridor” demand, has been removed from the talks.</li> <li>Armenia has <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33079864.html">linked</a> the issue of applying for the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group to the signing of a “peace treaty”.</li> </ol> <p>We should make it clear that there’s not going to be a genuine Peace Treaty any time soon. Whether it’s called a quote-unquote “peace treaty,” or whatever, Baku has made it clear that they will only sign some agreement around principles and that’s it. Everything else about achieving peace is Pashnyan hype, in fact the Azerbaijani side does not call it a “peace treaty”.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/355-anna-karapetyan-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-transportation-links-osce-minsk-group-goris-kapan-road-cover-up/Mon, 19 Aug 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/355-anna-karapetyan-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-transportation-links-osce-minsk-group-goris-kapan-road-cover-up/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia Azerbaijan Talks. Goris Kapan Road Cover UP.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/355/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/353-yeghia-tashjian-iran-geopolitical-moves-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-stalled-normalization-with-turkey/Tue, 13 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/353-yeghia-tashjian-iran-geopolitical-moves-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-stalled-normalization-with-turkey/<h2 id="irans-geopolitical-moves">Iran’s Geopolitical Moves</h2> <h3 id="in-armenia">In Armenia</h3> <p>Two weeks ago on July 28th Iran inaugurated Masoud Pezheshkian as its new president. Pashinyan <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33056549.html">attended</a> the events in Tehran and met with Ayatollah Khamenei, as well as Pezheshkian. The message to Pashinyan was that the change of presidents would not change Iran’s policy towards the Caucasus, and that they remain firmly opposed to any special corridors through Armenia.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>As much as this might sound comforting to Armenians that Iran is warning Azerbaijan and Turkey not to touch Armenia, is there also a warning for Pashinyan here?</li> <li>Is Pashinyan “hearing” that warning?</li> <li>What’s at stake in Armenia for Iran? <ul> <li>Are the stakes similar to India’s interests in the Caucasus?</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>This morning Pezheshkian&rsquo;s foreign minister Mohammed Javad Zarif <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/iranian-vice-president-resigns-only-084119806.html">resigned</a>, days after his appointment.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/353-yeghia-tashjian-iran-geopolitical-moves-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-stalled-normalization-with-turkey/Tue, 13 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/353-yeghia-tashjian-iran-geopolitical-moves-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-stalled-normalization-with-turkey/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Iran’s Geopolitical Moves. Armenia Azerbaijan Talks. Stalled “Normalization”.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/353/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/352-vahagn-melikian-panarmenian-diplomatic-council-srbazan-movement-armenia-foreign-policy/Tue, 13 Aug 2024 06:07:35 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/352-vahagn-melikian-panarmenian-diplomatic-council-srbazan-movement-armenia-foreign-policy/<h1 id="armenian-foreign-policy-and-the-srbazan-movement">Armenian Foreign Policy and The Srbazan Movement</h1> <p>Ambassador Melikian, as this is your first time on our show, please tell us about your background, interests, and research.</p> <h2 id="from-revolution-to-war">From “Revolution” To War</h2> <p>With so much history and experience behind you, Ambassador Melikian, we would like to hear about your experience in the Foreign Ministry during one of the most fateful times in recent Armenian history.</p> <p>Specifically, on <strong>May 23, 2018</strong>, you were appointed as Secretary General at the Armenian Foreign ministry. That is two weeks after Pashinyan was elected as Prime Minister. You left your position at the MFA on <strong>July 19, 2021</strong>, shortly after the resignation of Ara Ayvazyan and 7 months after Pashinyan signed the disastrous Nov 9-10 statement.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/352-vahagn-melikian-panarmenian-diplomatic-council-srbazan-movement-armenia-foreign-policy/Tue, 13 Aug 2024 06:07:35 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/352-vahagn-melikian-panarmenian-diplomatic-council-srbazan-movement-armenia-foreign-policy/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Background on Amb. Melikian. From Revolution to War. Goris-Kapan Handover. Armenia&rsquo;s &ldquo;Pivot&rdquo; To The West. Srbazan Movement. Pan-Armenian Diplomatic Council.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/352/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/351-tevan-poghosyan-us-leadership-changes-iran-armenia-russia-relations-eu-push-for-pece-agreement/Sun, 04 Aug 2024 00:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/351-tevan-poghosyan-us-leadership-changes-iran-armenia-russia-relations-eu-push-for-pece-agreement/<h2 id="us-leadership-changes">US Leadership Changes</h2> <p>As the field of the major candidates for President of the United States (POTUS) solidifies, we’re now looking at a change of administration in January 2025, as Biden steps down and either Trump, or Kamala Harris steps up.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Can you talk about the effects of a Trump, or Harris presidency on Armenia and the Caucasus? What would be the key distinguishing policy differences?</li> <li>Did Trump’s preoccupation with his reelection in 2020 provide Aliyev with an opportunity to attack Artsakh?</li> </ul> <h2 id="iran-armenia-relations">Iran Armenia Relations</h2> <p>On July 28th, the new Iranian president, Masoud Pezheshkian was inaugurated. Pashinyan <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33056549.html">attended</a> the events in Tehran and also met with Ayatollah Khamenei, as well as Pezheshkian. Tehran reiterated its red lines regarding corridors through Armenia and encroachments on its territory by Azerbaijan and Turkey.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/351-tevan-poghosyan-us-leadership-changes-iran-armenia-russia-relations-eu-push-for-pece-agreement/Sun, 04 Aug 2024 00:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/351-tevan-poghosyan-us-leadership-changes-iran-armenia-russia-relations-eu-push-for-pece-agreement/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>US Leadership Changes. Iran Armenia Relations. Russian-Armenian Relations. EU Push for an Agreement. Srbazan Movement Next Steps.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/351/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/350-hrant-mikaelian-state-of-the-armenian-economy-h1-2024/Sat, 03 Aug 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/350-hrant-mikaelian-state-of-the-armenian-economy-h1-2024/<h1 id="state-of-the-armenian-economy-in-the-first-half-of-2024">State of the Armenian Economy in the First Half of 2024</h1> <h2 id="economic-stats">Economic Stats</h2> <p>A week ago the <a href="https://luys.am/">Luys Foundation</a> put out its <a href="https://www.luys.am/img/artpic/small/bcfdc54eed53b47732c504-%D5%8F%D4%B1%D5%91-1-6_2024.pdf">analysis</a> of the Armenian economy for H1 2024, that’s the first half of this year. So our discussion is about stats that are for January through June 2024.</p> <p>They note that the Armenian economy is slowing down from the first quarter of the year to the second.</p> <p>Similarly, they point out that the import and export sectors have also slowed down, and if we ignore the import and re-export of gold, an item which is turned into Jewelry in Armenia and re-exported, then there is an actual <strong>drop</strong> in the export and import sectors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/350-hrant-mikaelian-state-of-the-armenian-economy-h1-2024/Sat, 03 Aug 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/350-hrant-mikaelian-state-of-the-armenian-economy-h1-2024/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Economy in the First Half of 2024. State Revenues &amp; Spending. Finance Sector. Looking Ahead.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/350/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/349-arman-grigoryan-misguided-pivot-to-west-turkey-involvement-in-second-karabakh-war-corridors-revolutionary-mistakes/Thu, 01 Aug 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/349-arman-grigoryan-misguided-pivot-to-west-turkey-involvement-in-second-karabakh-war-corridors-revolutionary-mistakes/<h1 id="armenias-geopolitical-pivot">Armenia’s Geopolitical Pivot</h1> <p>A self-introduction of Prof. Arman Grigoryan, of Lehigh University.</p> <h2 id="revolutionary-mistakes">Revolutionary Mistakes</h2> <p>In April of this year you published an extensive research paper titled “<a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09636412.2024.2327316">Revolutionary Governments, Recklessness, and War: The Case of the Second Karabakh War</a>”.</p> <p>In the early stages of the paper you make the point that as he came to power in 2018, Pashinyan held the position that negotiations were a waste of time if the process was not culminating in a status for Artsakh, maybe in exchange for some of its surrounding territories. So his logic put both Aliyev and the OSCE MG in front of a dead-end situation which would lead the war.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/349-arman-grigoryan-misguided-pivot-to-west-turkey-involvement-in-second-karabakh-war-corridors-revolutionary-mistakes/Thu, 01 Aug 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/349-arman-grigoryan-misguided-pivot-to-west-turkey-involvement-in-second-karabakh-war-corridors-revolutionary-mistakes/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Revolutionary Mistakes. Nov. 9 Statement, Corridors, Communications. Misguided Pivot. Turkish Involvement in the 44-Day War.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/349/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/348-arthur-martirosyan-next-potus-turkish-armenian-normalization-us-defense-coop-talks-with-azerbaijan/Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:20:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/348-arthur-martirosyan-next-potus-turkish-armenian-normalization-us-defense-coop-talks-with-azerbaijan/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="who-will-be-the-next-leader-in-the-us">Who will be the next leader in the US?</h2> <p>As the field of the major candidates for President of the United States (POTUS) settles, we’re now looking at a change of administration in January 2025, as Biden steps down and either Trump, or Kamala Harris steps up.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>How do you see the presidential race shaping up in the US?</li> <li>How will a potential Trump presidency affect US policy in the region and Armenia specifically?</li> <li>What about a Harris presidency?</li> </ul> <h3 id="us-policy-in-the-caucasus">US Policy in the Caucasus</h3> <p>Biden’s administration has put a lot of effort and attention, at the secretary of state level, to get an agreement, any agreement, to be signed by Armenia and Azerbaijan. Talking to analysts, the immediate goal seems to be for any agreement to be signed that would get Aliyev to greenlight Turkey to open the border with Armenia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/348-arthur-martirosyan-next-potus-turkish-armenian-normalization-us-defense-coop-talks-with-azerbaijan/Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:20:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/348-arthur-martirosyan-next-potus-turkish-armenian-normalization-us-defense-coop-talks-with-azerbaijan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Who Will be the Next Leader of the US? Turkish-Armenian Talks. US-Armenian Defense Coop. Armenia Azerbaijan Talks.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/348/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/347-elections-in-many-countries-armenia-azerbaijani-negotiations-permanent-us-defense-attache-to-armenia-midyear-review-of-2024-predictions/Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/347-elections-in-many-countries-armenia-azerbaijani-negotiations-permanent-us-defense-attache-to-armenia-midyear-review-of-2024-predictions/<h2 id="elections-in-the-us-and-georgia">Elections in the US and Georgia</h2> <p>2024 is a pivotal year of elections worldwide and in our region that might have a drastic effect on the future of Armenia. So we’d like to spend some time discussing these developments.</p> <h3 id="united-states">United States</h3> <p>One of the most globally important political races this year is the presidential race in the US. The prospect of a Trump presidency has always been a real possibility, and after the assassination attempt on him on July 13, his ratings appear to be on the rise. Also, last week he became the official Republican nominee during the Republican National Convention (RNC), and Joe Biden ended his campaign to seek re-election and passed the torch to his VP Kamala Harris.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/347-elections-in-many-countries-armenia-azerbaijani-negotiations-permanent-us-defense-attache-to-armenia-midyear-review-of-2024-predictions/Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/347-elections-in-many-countries-armenia-azerbaijani-negotiations-permanent-us-defense-attache-to-armenia-midyear-review-of-2024-predictions/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>New Leadership Coming to Many Countries. Aliyev Continues to Thumb the Nose of The West. Permanent US Defense Attaché to Armenia. Mid-year Review of our 2024 Predictions.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/347/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/346-hayk-mamijanyan-trump-affect-on-armenia-political-prisoners-pace-report-referendum-for-joining-eu-bagrat-tavush-movement/Fri, 19 Jul 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/346-hayk-mamijanyan-trump-affect-on-armenia-political-prisoners-pace-report-referendum-for-joining-eu-bagrat-tavush-movement/<h2 id="prospect-of-trump-presidency-on-the-caucasus">Prospect of Trump Presidency On The Caucasus</h2> <p>We plan to ask this question to many of our guests, so we ask you as well. Ever since the assassination attempt on July 13, the prospect of a Trump presidency is now higher.</p> <p><strong>Question:</strong></p> <ul> <li>How will a Trump presidency affect the US policy towards the Caucasus?</li> <li>Do you have any predictions?</li> </ul> <h2 id="update-on-political-prisoners">Update on Political Prisoners</h2> <p>We last talked to you over a year and a half ago, during the early days of the Artsakh blockade. A lot of Armenians, especially Diaspora Armenians think of Armenia as a free, open, hospitable country, and it’s not natural for us to think that there are political prisoners in Armenia. People who are in jail simply because they don’t see eye to eye with this current government. Dozens of them.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/346-hayk-mamijanyan-trump-affect-on-armenia-political-prisoners-pace-report-referendum-for-joining-eu-bagrat-tavush-movement/Fri, 19 Jul 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/346-hayk-mamijanyan-trump-affect-on-armenia-political-prisoners-pace-report-referendum-for-joining-eu-bagrat-tavush-movement/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Prospect of a Trump Presidency on the Caucasus. Update on political prisoners. PACE report. Referendum on joining EU. Bagrat Srbazan Tavush movement.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/346/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/345-prospect-of-trump-presidency-mirzoyan-at-nato-summit-parade-of-us-officials-in-armenia-mpg-poll-review/Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/345-prospect-of-trump-presidency-mirzoyan-at-nato-summit-parade-of-us-officials-in-armenia-mpg-poll-review/<h2 id="prospect-of-trump-presidency-and-effect-on-the-region">Prospect of Trump Presidency and Effect On The Region</h2> <p>The entire world is talking about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump that occurred on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania.</p> <p>There are many questions to ask about this incident, including the apparent failure of the US secret service to adequately protect the former president and current Republican presidential candidate. But for many of those in the region, the question is about what happens next, especially since it seems that the prospect of a Trump presidency is now much higher.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/345-prospect-of-trump-presidency-mirzoyan-at-nato-summit-parade-of-us-officials-in-armenia-mpg-poll-review/Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/345-prospect-of-trump-presidency-mirzoyan-at-nato-summit-parade-of-us-officials-in-armenia-mpg-poll-review/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Prospect of Trump Presidency on the Caucasus. Mirzoyan at NATO Summit in DC. Parade of US Officials in Armenia. MPG Poll.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/345/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/344-armenia-draft-law-on-cameras-and-mass-surveillance-usaid-funded-aws-deal-gov-track-record-of-cybersecurity-failures/Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/344-armenia-draft-law-on-cameras-and-mass-surveillance-usaid-funded-aws-deal-gov-track-record-of-cybersecurity-failures/<h1 id="is-armenia-becoming-a-surveillance-state">Is Armenia Becoming a Surveillance State</h1> <h2 id="draft-law-on-ubiquitous-surveillance">Draft Law on Ubiquitous Surveillance</h2> <p>Last month a very onerous <a href="http://parliament.am/drafts.php?sel=showdraft&amp;DraftID=14934&amp;Reading=0">surveillance law</a> was proposed by Pashinyan’s government, which flew under most radars except the few in the business of security, privacy and and civil rights protections.</p> <p>Essentially the law would require all but the smallest of businesses to install hi-res cameras to watch over and around the entrance and exits of their premises, and what’s more: to continuously share the video and audio streams with the government.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/344-armenia-draft-law-on-cameras-and-mass-surveillance-usaid-funded-aws-deal-gov-track-record-of-cybersecurity-failures/Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/344-armenia-draft-law-on-cameras-and-mass-surveillance-usaid-funded-aws-deal-gov-track-record-of-cybersecurity-failures/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia’s Draft Law on Mass Surveillance. USAID-funded Deal with AWS. Government Track Record of Cybersecurity Failures.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/344/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/343-rafael-ishkhanyan-report-on-police-brutality-pace-resolution-armenia-high-pretrial-detention-rate-avetik-chalabyan/Sat, 13 Jul 2024 20:20:32 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/343-rafael-ishkhanyan-report-on-police-brutality-pace-resolution-armenia-high-pretrial-detention-rate-avetik-chalabyan/<h1 id="police-brutality-and-freedom-of-assembly">Police Brutality and Freedom of Assembly</h1> <h2 id="report-on-police-brutality-on-june-12-rally">Report on Police Brutality on June 12 Rally</h2> <p>So the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vLjYN1c2lAHeCh1f3Nr1-ruFg3n06TwT/view">ACPR Ad Hoc report on June 12</a> is out. On that day, the Pashinyan regime clearly showed that they’re ready and willing to use disproportionate force to suppress protesters. Up to a hundred people sought medical attention after the police lobbed dozens of stun grenades at the protesters, many of them were severely injured.</p> <p>Among the injured were several journalists, including Abraham Gasparyan from ABC Media. RSF (Reporters Without Borders) <a href="https://rsf.org/en/protests-armenia-rsf-denounces-deliberate-police-violence-against-reporters">criticized</a> the Armenian police for “deliberately” targeting journalists.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/343-rafael-ishkhanyan-report-on-police-brutality-pace-resolution-armenia-high-pretrial-detention-rate-avetik-chalabyan/Sat, 13 Jul 2024 20:20:32 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/343-rafael-ishkhanyan-report-on-police-brutality-pace-resolution-armenia-high-pretrial-detention-rate-avetik-chalabyan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Report on Police Brutality on June 12 Rally. PACE Resolution on Armenia. Armenia’s High Pretrial Detention Rate. Spotlight on Political Prisoner: Avetik Chalabyan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/343/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/342-karen-vrtanesyan-armenia-azerbaijan-at-nato-summit-border-talks-srbazan-tavush-movement-arms-or-alms-rearming/Wed, 10 Jul 2024 00:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/342-karen-vrtanesyan-armenia-azerbaijan-at-nato-summit-border-talks-srbazan-tavush-movement-arms-or-alms-rearming/<h2 id="armenia-azerbaijan-at-nato-summit">Armenia, Azerbaijan, at NATO Summit</h2> <p>Last weekend we heard initially from Azeri sources that James O’Brien had <a href="https://asbarez.com/u-s-invites-armenia-azerbaijan-to-nato-summit-in-washington/">extended invitations</a> to Armenia and Azerbaijan to attend the 75th Anniversary NATO summit in Washington DC. Immediately thereafter <a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1194717">Armenia confirmed and accepted</a> the offer to attend as a “partner”. There are expectations that Pashinyan and Aliyev will meet on the sidelines of the summit in mid-July, and we know that the US has stated one thousand times that they’re ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan sign an agreement. I guess any agreement, which could serve as an excuse for Erdogan to take a step towards Armenia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/342-karen-vrtanesyan-armenia-azerbaijan-at-nato-summit-border-talks-srbazan-tavush-movement-arms-or-alms-rearming/Wed, 10 Jul 2024 00:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/342-karen-vrtanesyan-armenia-azerbaijan-at-nato-summit-border-talks-srbazan-tavush-movement-arms-or-alms-rearming/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia, Azerbaijan, at NATO Summit. Border Talks Still in Chaos. Srbazan in Syunik. Pashinyan in Syunik. Srbazan Movement. Arms, or Alms for Armenia? Orban, Aliyev’s Man inside the EU. Eagle Partner 2024 in Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/342/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/341-elisa-von-joeden-forgey-lemkin-institute-artsakh-genocide-pashinyan-genocide-denial-gaza-and-other-genocides/Fri, 28 Jun 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/341-elisa-von-joeden-forgey-lemkin-institute-artsakh-genocide-pashinyan-genocide-denial-gaza-and-other-genocides/<h2 id="background-on-lemkin-institute">Background on Lemkin Institute</h2> <p>Your institute is relatively new, and this is your first time on our show.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Would you tell us a little about yourself, and also about the Lemkin Institute and its founding?</li> <li>What is the current mission of the institute?</li> <li>What is the process through which the Institute determines, and then declares a situation as a genocide?</li> <li>How is the Lemkin Institute funded? What are the resources at the institute?</li> </ul> <p>On your website we see that the <a href="https://www.lemkininstitute.com">Lemkin Institute</a> keeps a wide watch of genocide around the globe, and that it also takes an uncompromising, un-political stance on the issue no matter where it takes place.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/341-elisa-von-joeden-forgey-lemkin-institute-artsakh-genocide-pashinyan-genocide-denial-gaza-and-other-genocides/Fri, 28 Jun 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/341-elisa-von-joeden-forgey-lemkin-institute-artsakh-genocide-pashinyan-genocide-denial-gaza-and-other-genocides/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Background on the Lemkin Institute. Genocide in Artsakh. Armenian Government’s Genocide Denial. Gaza and other Genocides.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/341/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/340-aram-orbelyan-legality-of-armenia-territorial-handover-to-azerbaijan-constitutional-crisis-new-elections-through-opposition-resignations/Wed, 26 Jun 2024 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/340-aram-orbelyan-legality-of-armenia-territorial-handover-to-azerbaijan-constitutional-crisis-new-elections-through-opposition-resignations/<h1 id="legal--constitutional-issues-in-armenian-politics">Legal &amp; Constitutional Issues in Armenian Politics</h1> <h2 id="unconstitutional-delimitation-process">Unconstitutional “Delimitation” Process</h2> <ul> <li>Kirants residents, in Tavush, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9egxZg6xdU">are being told</a> to quit their claim to their property and other “non-land” rights.</li> <li>They’re being offered huge sums of money (according to Bagrat Srbazan, they’re being offered <a href="https://news.am/arm/news/830368.html">compensation of $50K for a property that is worth $1K</a>)</li> <li>Eminent Domain is not being used.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Questions</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>Is this process legal and constitutional?</li> <li>Pashinyan administration members say that these lands are not Armenia and there has been a mistake made by the Cadastre. Does this set a precedent where, one day Armenia’s cadastre committee could say that they realized that all those property rights south of Lake Sevan were issued by mistake, due to the Treaty of Alexandropol. Is this a correct analogy with what’s happening to the dispossessed residents of Kirants, in Tavush?</li> </ul> <h2 id="could-the-opposition-trigger-new-elections">Could the Opposition Trigger New Elections?</h2> <p>Over the past few months the “idea” has been circulated from certain sectors that the parliamentary opposition should give up their mandates, and thus trigger a constitutional crisis in Armenia, leading to new elections.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/340-aram-orbelyan-legality-of-armenia-territorial-handover-to-azerbaijan-constitutional-crisis-new-elections-through-opposition-resignations/Wed, 26 Jun 2024 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/340-aram-orbelyan-legality-of-armenia-territorial-handover-to-azerbaijan-constitutional-crisis-new-elections-through-opposition-resignations/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Unconstitutional “Delimitation” Process. Could the Opposition Trigger New Elections?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/340/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/339-dziunik-aghajanian-caesar-systems-purchased-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-pashinyan-talks-to-erdogan-eu-parliamet-shifts-right/Tue, 25 Jun 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/339-dziunik-aghajanian-caesar-systems-purchased-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-pashinyan-talks-to-erdogan-eu-parliamet-shifts-right/<h2 id="srbazan-movement-pause-and-regroup">Srbazan Movement: Pause and Regroup?</h2> <p>After the brutal use of police violence on the protesters on June 12 and the quorum-busting move from Civil Contract on June 17, which prevented the opposition from holding a hearing on the topic of demanding Pashinyan’s resignation, the protest movement led by Bagrat Srbazan has announced that it will change tactics and use the tool of rallies and protests sparingly and tactically. Furthermore, the movement will be re-grouped and expanded, according to Srbazan.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/339-dziunik-aghajanian-caesar-systems-purchased-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-pashinyan-talks-to-erdogan-eu-parliamet-shifts-right/Tue, 25 Jun 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/339-dziunik-aghajanian-caesar-systems-purchased-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-pashinyan-talks-to-erdogan-eu-parliamet-shifts-right/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Srbazan Movement: Pause &amp; Regroup? EU Parliamentary Shift to the Right. Armenia and EU Membership. Renewed Azerbaijani Threats of War. Armenia Reports CAESAR Artillery Acquisition. Did Pashinyan Get Marching Orders from Erdogan?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/339/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/337-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-repressions-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-armenia-russia-relations/Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/337-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-repressions-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-armenia-russia-relations/<h2 id="police-violence-and-repressions">Police Violence and Repressions</h2> <p>June 12 came and went. It was billed as a sort of culminating point and the date when Bagrat Srbazan’s assurances, that he needed 96 hours to remove Pashinyan, expired.</p> <p>It proved to be a bloody day. On that day, the Pashinyan regime proved that they’re willing to use unprecedented force to suppress the protesters. Up to a hundred people sought medical attention after the police lobbed dozens of stun grenades at the protesters, many of them protesters.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/337-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-repressions-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-armenia-russia-relations/Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/337-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-repressions-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-armenia-russia-relations/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Police Brutality, Violence &amp; Repressions. Armenia Azerbaijan Talks. Armenia Russia Relations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/337/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/336-rafael-ishkhanyan-protesters-arrested-mps-beaten-artsakh-mayors-jailed/Mon, 17 Jun 2024 11:05:32 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/336-rafael-ishkhanyan-protesters-arrested-mps-beaten-artsakh-mayors-jailed/<h1 id="types-of-arrest-or-detention-in-armenia">Types of Arrest or Detention in Armenia</h1> <p>During the recent anti government protests in Armenia hundreds have been arrested, and since we hear many terms used for these arrests, we thought we should talk about the various types of arrests and detentions and their specific uses. For example, since most protesters in Armenia are held for 3 hours, this usually falls under something called <strong>Administrative arrest</strong>. Well, what is that, and what are the types of arrests available to law enforcement agencies in Armenia?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/336-rafael-ishkhanyan-protesters-arrested-mps-beaten-artsakh-mayors-jailed/Mon, 17 Jun 2024 11:05:32 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/336-rafael-ishkhanyan-protesters-arrested-mps-beaten-artsakh-mayors-jailed/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Detention vs. Arrest. Hundreds Of Protesters Arrested. “Red Berets” Beat Up MP. Artsakh Mayors Under Arrest. Podcasters Released But Banned From Podcasting. Narek Samsonyan. Vazgen Saghatelyan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/336/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/335-anna-karapetyan-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-treaty-more-aliyev-demands-james-obrien-in-yerevan-srbazan-movement/Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/335-anna-karapetyan-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-treaty-more-aliyev-demands-james-obrien-in-yerevan-srbazan-movement/<h2 id="peace-treaty-and-more-aliyev-demands">Peace Treaty and More Aliyev Demands</h2> <p>In the past week there have been public exchanges between Armenian and Azerbaijani government officials. Aliyev stated that without changing the Armenian constitution there can be no peace. Mirzoyan replied that the best way to proceed would be to sign the “peace treaty” within the next month, we assume June or July. He said that the Armenian constitution was an internal matter, and the treaty included language that would preclude domestic law from breaching one party’s obligations to the other.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/335-anna-karapetyan-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-treaty-more-aliyev-demands-james-obrien-in-yerevan-srbazan-movement/Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/335-anna-karapetyan-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-treaty-more-aliyev-demands-james-obrien-in-yerevan-srbazan-movement/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Peace Treaty and more Aliyev Demands. James O’Brien in Yerevan. Russia Armenia Relations. Srbazan Movement.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/335/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/334-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-floods-bagrat-srbazan-movement-church-and-state-geopolitical-developments/Tue, 04 Jun 2024 00:20:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/334-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-floods-bagrat-srbazan-movement-church-and-state-geopolitical-developments/<h2 id="heavy-rainstorms-flood-northern-armenia">Heavy Rainstorms Flood Northern Armenia</h2> <p>During the weekend of May 25-26, a severe rainstorm <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32964179.html">flooded</a> large swaths of the Lori and Tavush regions in the north of Armenia. Roads and highways were flooded and closed; over a dozen bridges were damaged, <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32965814.html">stranding</a> thousands of residents. Both national highways that lead to the Georgian border, as well as the railway were also inoperable. The death toll so far is 4 people.</p> <p>After the storms passed the government declared a number of the villages and towns a disaster zone and allocated around $1 million to recovery efforts, and also called out for citizen volunteers to help, and said it would <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32972574.html">ask for international aid</a> to help with the reconstruction.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/334-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-floods-bagrat-srbazan-movement-church-and-state-geopolitical-developments/Tue, 04 Jun 2024 00:20:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/334-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-floods-bagrat-srbazan-movement-church-and-state-geopolitical-developments/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Heavy Rainstorms Flood Northern Armenia. Bagrat Srbazan Movement. Church and State. Geopolitical Developments. Rights and Security for Artsakh Armenians.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/334/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/333-sergei-melkonian-iran-president-foreign-minister-killed-in-helicopter-crash-bagrat-srbazan-leads-mass-protests-armenian-russian-relations/Tue, 28 May 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/333-sergei-melkonian-iran-president-foreign-minister-killed-in-helicopter-crash-bagrat-srbazan-leads-mass-protests-armenian-russian-relations/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="iran-president-and-fm-killed-in-helicopter-crash">Iran President and FM Killed in Helicopter Crash</h2> <p>On Sunday May 19, Iran’s president Ebrahim Raisi, foreign minister Amir Hussein Abdollahian and 7 other staff members perished in a helicopter crash near Iran’s border with Azerbaijan. They were returning from <a href="https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/05/19/725853/Iranian-president,-Azeri-counterpart-inaugurate-Qiz-Qalasi-border-dam-">inaugurating a dam</a> on the Arax river with Ilham Aliyev.</p> <p>There was a worldwide outpouring of condolences from the UN and most countries around the world on the deaths of the Iranian leaders.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/333-sergei-melkonian-iran-president-foreign-minister-killed-in-helicopter-crash-bagrat-srbazan-leads-mass-protests-armenian-russian-relations/Tue, 28 May 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/333-sergei-melkonian-iran-president-foreign-minister-killed-in-helicopter-crash-bagrat-srbazan-leads-mass-protests-armenian-russian-relations/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Iran President and FM Killed in Helicopter Crash. Bagrat Srbazan Leads Mass Protests in Armenia. Armenian Russian Relations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/333/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/332-archil-sikharulidze-georgian-law-on-foreign-agents-tavush-movement-in-armenia-parallels-in-foreign-influence/Sun, 26 May 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/332-archil-sikharulidze-georgian-law-on-foreign-agents-tavush-movement-in-armenia-parallels-in-foreign-influence/<h2 id="georgian-law-on-foreign-agents">Georgian Law on Foreign Agents</h2> <p>For the past two months Georgia has been wracked with protests about a so-called bill on “Foreign Agents” which the parliament passed into law last week, and then it was vetoed by president Zourabishvili.</p> <p>If you follow mainstream media, this law on foreign agents which the west calls a “Russian Law” or “Putin’s Law”, will be catastrophic for Georgia. Interestingly, the US and many other western states have similar laws to protect them against foreign influence. The US for example has FARA, the Foreign Agent Registration Act (which, I think, dates back from before WW2!)</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/332-archil-sikharulidze-georgian-law-on-foreign-agents-tavush-movement-in-armenia-parallels-in-foreign-influence/Sun, 26 May 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/332-archil-sikharulidze-georgian-law-on-foreign-agents-tavush-movement-in-armenia-parallels-in-foreign-influence/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Georgian Law on Foreign Agents. Politics and Diplomacy of Armenia. Parallels and Lessons from Georgia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/332/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/331-hrant-mikaelian-tavush-protests-grow-pashinyan-pressing-ahead-with-land-concessions-poll-results-on-protests/Sun, 19 May 2024 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/331-hrant-mikaelian-tavush-protests-grow-pashinyan-pressing-ahead-with-land-concessions-poll-results-on-protests/<h2 id="tavush-protests-gain-momentum">Tavush Protests Gain Momentum</h2> <p>Bagrat Srbazan’s <strong>Tavush for the Homeland</strong> movement has been in Yerevan and escalating acts of civil disobedience for a week now. Tens of thousands are in the streets daily, protesting Pashinyan’s land concessions to Azerbaijan in the Tavush region.</p> <p>A couple of notable aspects:</p> <ul> <li>The pro-gov channels are mum on this, as if nothing is happening in Yerevan or around the country. This is despite the <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32948778.html">police cordoning</a> off major areas of downtown Yerevan to keep protesters clear of Pashinyan and his meetings.</li> <li>The international media is also quiet, although there is some coverage. But if you look at their coverage of protests in Georgia, there is really no comparison..</li> <li>There is rising police brutality as well as hundreds of arrests. There are <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32947172.html">journalists</a> injured, and <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32948578.html">professionals</a> who are being fired for joining the protests. There is no reaction from the west. Again, compare this to their daily coverage with graphic images of Georgians who were injured during protests in Tbilisi.</li> <li>Bagrat Srbazan has been openly advocating peace and love towards each and every Armenian, including the policemen.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/331-hrant-mikaelian-tavush-protests-grow-pashinyan-pressing-ahead-with-land-concessions-poll-results-on-protests/Sun, 19 May 2024 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/331-hrant-mikaelian-tavush-protests-grow-pashinyan-pressing-ahead-with-land-concessions-poll-results-on-protests/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Tavush Protests Gain Momentum. Pashinyan Pressing Ahead with Land Concessions. Poll Results on Tavush Protests.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/331/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/330-sopo-japaridze-ussr-common-home-history-georgian-foreign-agent-bill-protests-armenia-georgia-relations/Sat, 18 May 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/330-sopo-japaridze-ussr-common-home-history-georgian-foreign-agent-bill-protests-armenia-georgia-relations/<h2 id="introduction-to-sopo">Introduction To Sopo</h2> <p><strong>Question:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Sopo, since it’s your first time on Groong, please tell us more about yourself?</li> </ul> <p>You describe yourself as an “old school socialist” and a “unionist”. That is a fascinating profession, as well as self-description.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>How did you arrive at such a unique position?</li> <li>How difficult is it to organize labor in Georgia? Can you give us some examples?</li> <li>Do you collaborate with counterparts in Armenia or the region for instance? Is there any benefit in sharing knowledge and experience?</li> </ul> <h2 id="ussr-a-common-home-and-history">USSR: A Common Home and History</h2> <p>Czech author Milan Kundera, in his <strong><em>The Unbearable Lightness of Being,</em></strong> has an interesting sentence which I like to quote frequently. He says: &ldquo;The struggle of man against power is the struggle of memory against forgetting.&rdquo;</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/330-sopo-japaridze-ussr-common-home-history-georgian-foreign-agent-bill-protests-armenia-georgia-relations/Sat, 18 May 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/330-sopo-japaridze-ussr-common-home-history-georgian-foreign-agent-bill-protests-armenia-georgia-relations/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>USSR: A common Home &amp; History. Georgia’s Foreign Agent Bill. Armenia-Georgian Relations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/330/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/329-tevan-poghosyan-bagrat-srbazan-brings-masses-to-the-streets-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-continue/Tue, 14 May 2024 00:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/329-tevan-poghosyan-bagrat-srbazan-brings-masses-to-the-streets-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-continue/<h2 id="bagrat-srbazan-brings-masses-to-the-streets">Bagrat Srbazan Brings Masses To the Streets</h2> <p>Undoubtedly the biggest story of the past week is the <strong>Tavush for the Homeland</strong> movement led by Bagrat Srbazan. He is the primate of the Tavush DIocese, and started with protests against the government’s unilateral concession of Tavush villages to Azerbaijan. He immediately garnered support from the residents of the villages and the province, and then captured the imagination of the people everywhere in the republic as well as in the diaspora. He has advocated peaceful means in the face of rising police brutality, as the ranks of his supporters have swelled to tens of thousands. Estimates vary, as usual; pro-government sources have estimated a low of 32,000, while other media sources have estimated over 100,000.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/329-tevan-poghosyan-bagrat-srbazan-brings-masses-to-the-streets-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-continue/Tue, 14 May 2024 00:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/329-tevan-poghosyan-bagrat-srbazan-brings-masses-to-the-streets-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-continue/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Bagrat Srbazan Brings Masses To the Streets. Armenia Azerbaijan Talks Continue.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/329/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/328-dziunik-aghajanian-tavush-border-demarcation-fiasco-bagrat-srbazan-coming-to-yerevan-hungary-blocks-eu-aid-to-armenia/Wed, 08 May 2024 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/328-dziunik-aghajanian-tavush-border-demarcation-fiasco-bagrat-srbazan-coming-to-yerevan-hungary-blocks-eu-aid-to-armenia/<h1 id="topics-this-week">TOPICS THIS WEEK</h1> <h2 id="armenia-continues-one-sided-demarcation-under-duress">Armenia Continues One-Sided Demarcation Under Duress</h2> <p>For the past week and a half there’s been a process of installing border posts in Tavush which Pashinyan’s government is calling “border delimitation and demarcation”. Every couple of days government-controlled media were <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1135979.html">counting up</a> the post installations as a show of a great achievement.</p> <p>Pashinyan propaganda is presenting this as a success in negotiations. Pashinyan <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1136140.html">says</a> that there is some sort of an undisclosed agreement between the two countries. Opposition meanwhile says that a premature, piecemeal delimitation of the segments of the border that would hurt Armenia the most, is a testament to Armenia’s fully succumbing to Azerbaijani demands and strategy, backed by the threat of military force. In fact, Aliyev gloated that it was his idea to start delimitation/demarcation in Tavush.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/328-dziunik-aghajanian-tavush-border-demarcation-fiasco-bagrat-srbazan-coming-to-yerevan-hungary-blocks-eu-aid-to-armenia/Wed, 08 May 2024 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/328-dziunik-aghajanian-tavush-border-demarcation-fiasco-bagrat-srbazan-coming-to-yerevan-hungary-blocks-eu-aid-to-armenia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Tavush Demarcation and Delimitation. Bagrat Srbazan Coming to Yerevan. Hungary Blocks EU Aid to Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/328/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/327-benyamin-poghosyan-rananjay-anand-indian-armenian-relations-2024/Fri, 03 May 2024 09:02:17 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/327-benyamin-poghosyan-rananjay-anand-indian-armenian-relations-2024/<h1 id="indian-armenian-relations-in-2024">Indian Armenian Relations in 2024</h1> <p>Over the past few years, the ties between India and Armenia have been steadily gaining momentum. In a significant move underscoring the importance of their bilateral relationship, India has signaled its plan to assign a defense attaché to its embassy in Armenia. This development highlights the deepening engagement between the two nations.</p> <p>Notably, both of you Benyamin and Rananjay, participated in the RAISINA 2024 conference held in New Delhi two months ago, seemingly commemorating the strides made in their relations.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/327-benyamin-poghosyan-rananjay-anand-indian-armenian-relations-2024/Fri, 03 May 2024 09:02:17 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/327-benyamin-poghosyan-rananjay-anand-indian-armenian-relations-2024/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Impressions: Raisina 2024 Dialogue. Indian Community. Trade Opportunities. Defense &amp; Security.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/327/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/326-edgar-elbakyan-109th-commemorations-armenian-genocide-pashinyan-concedes-tavush-territories-russia-withdrawing-peacekeepers-from-artsakh/Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/326-edgar-elbakyan-109th-commemorations-armenian-genocide-pashinyan-concedes-tavush-territories-russia-withdrawing-peacekeepers-from-artsakh/<h2 id="april-24-armenian-genocide-commemorations">April 24: Armenian Genocide Commemorations</h2> <p>We’re recording this show on April 24, today is the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Dozens of countries around the world, including the US, Russia, France have fully recognized this atrocity against humanity and Armenians.</p> <p>Armenian communities in the diaspora commemorate this day around the world, and I’ve already posted on Groong’s Facebook page dozens of events from everywhere, but nowhere is it more impressive and memorable than in Armenia, where in some years a million people march from Yerevan to Tsitsernakabert, the Genocide monument on a hill outside the capital. Each year there is a giant commemorative torch procession, and gathering in Republic square on the eve of April 24. This year was no exception.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/326-edgar-elbakyan-109th-commemorations-armenian-genocide-pashinyan-concedes-tavush-territories-russia-withdrawing-peacekeepers-from-artsakh/Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/326-edgar-elbakyan-109th-commemorations-armenian-genocide-pashinyan-concedes-tavush-territories-russia-withdrawing-peacekeepers-from-artsakh/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>109th Commemorations of the Armenian Genocide. Pashinyan Concedes Tavush Territories. Russia Withdrawing Peacekeepers from Artsakh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/326/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/325-rafael-ishkhanyan-political-prisoners-in-armenia-hate-speech-laws-samvel-vardanyan-narek-malyan-armen-grigorian/Mon, 22 Apr 2024 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/325-rafael-ishkhanyan-political-prisoners-in-armenia-hate-speech-laws-samvel-vardanyan-narek-malyan-armen-grigorian/<h1 id="political-prisoners-in-armenia--armenias-hate-speech-laws--cases-samvel-vardanyan-narek-malyan-armen-grigoryan">Political Prisoners in Armenia | Armenia’s Hate Speech Laws | Cases: Samvel Vardanyan, Narek Malyan, Armen Grigoryan</h1> <h2 id="political-persecution-in-armenia">Political Persecution in Armenia</h2> <p>Rafael, six years have passed since the so-called “Velvet Revolution”. Our impression is that most countries, especially western countries that have human rights on their foreign agenda, pay lip service to “Armenia’s democracy.” But is that really the case?</p> <p>The organization you’re part of, the Helsinki Committee of Armenia recently issued a <a href="https://armhels.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Ditord-2023arm.pdf">report</a>, called simply: “Human rights in Armenia, 2023”.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/325-rafael-ishkhanyan-political-prisoners-in-armenia-hate-speech-laws-samvel-vardanyan-narek-malyan-armen-grigorian/Mon, 22 Apr 2024 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/325-rafael-ishkhanyan-political-prisoners-in-armenia-hate-speech-laws-samvel-vardanyan-narek-malyan-armen-grigorian/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Political Prisoners in Armenia. Armenia’s Hate Speech Laws. Cases. Samuel Vardanyan. Narek Malyan. Armen Grigorian.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/325/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/324-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-iran-amidst-conflicts-political-prisoners/Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/324-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-iran-amidst-conflicts-political-prisoners/<h2 id="armenian-genocide-denial">Armenian Genocide Denial</h2> <p>Every week Pashinyan seems to push the envelope on the narratives that challenge historical realities and themes related to Armenian identity. This is done in a way that would put George Orwell to shame.</p> <h3 id="its-the-russians-fault">“It’s the Russians’ Fault”</h3> <p>First, he opened the week by giving a “lecture” to students, which he records and shares on Tiktok nowadays, where he essentially blames the Russians (or the Soviets) for repatriating to Armenia descendants of the Armenian Genocide. He further blames Russia for stoking the nascent movement to recognize the Armenian genocide in Soviet Armenia. Of course, during the entire time he does this, he doesn’t actually use the term “genocide” a single time.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/324-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-iran-amidst-conflicts-political-prisoners/Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/324-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-iran-amidst-conflicts-political-prisoners/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia Azerbaijan Talks. Iran Amidst Conflicts. Political Prisoners.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/324/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/323-anna-karapetyan-trilateral-us-eu-armenia-meeting-talks-with-azerbaijan-relations-with-russia-in-free-fall-pashinyan-suppressing-artsakh-leadership/Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/323-anna-karapetyan-trilateral-us-eu-armenia-meeting-talks-with-azerbaijan-relations-with-russia-in-free-fall-pashinyan-suppressing-artsakh-leadership/<h2 id="trilateral-us-eu-armenia-meeting">Trilateral US-EU-Armenia Meeting</h2> <p>Onn April 5 between the US, the EU and Armenia held a Trilateral meeting. Pashinyan met with Anthony Blinken and Ursula von der Leyen on Friday and <a href="https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/news/joint-eu-us-armenia-high-level-meeting-support-armenias-resilience-2024-04-05_en">agreements</a> were signed for a combined $350 million aid package aimed at the “ resilience of the Armenian economy”.</p> <p>This meeting was very loudly denounced by both Azerbaijan’s Aliyev, as well as the Russian MFA, despite assurances on the part of the participants that the talks were not aimed, or against Azerbaijan or Russia, Both Blinken and von der Leyen called Aliyev and emphasized that no Armenian security issues were being discussed. But these assurances did not correspond to their perceptions, and after the meeting Aliyev escalated tensions along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border with shootings along the border.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/323-anna-karapetyan-trilateral-us-eu-armenia-meeting-talks-with-azerbaijan-relations-with-russia-in-free-fall-pashinyan-suppressing-artsakh-leadership/Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/323-anna-karapetyan-trilateral-us-eu-armenia-meeting-talks-with-azerbaijan-relations-with-russia-in-free-fall-pashinyan-suppressing-artsakh-leadership/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Trilateral US-EU-Armenia Meeting. Talks with Azerbaijan. Tavush: What has Pashinyan Promised. Relations with Russia in Freefall. Pashinyan Suppressing Artsakh Leadership.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/323/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20240402-01-interview-markus-ritter-eu-monitoring-mission-armenia-euma/Tue, 02 Apr 2024 05:18:31 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/20240402-01-interview-markus-ritter-eu-monitoring-mission-armenia-euma/<p>The following is a transcript from <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/322">Episode 322</a> where we conduct an in-depth interview with Dr. Markus Ritter, the head of the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMA) in Armenia. Dr. Ritter provides detailed explanations regarding the mission&rsquo;s activities, its role in calming tensions along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, and the challenges it faces amidst regional dynamics. Covering specific incidents and addressing criticisms, Dr. Ritter offers transparency on the mission&rsquo;s operations, emphasizing its commitment to contributing to peace and stability in the region.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/322-markus-ritter-eu-observer-mission-in-armenia-euma/Fri, 29 Mar 2024 01:48:51 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/322-markus-ritter-eu-observer-mission-in-armenia-euma/<p>The transcript for this episode can be found here: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/20240402-01-interview-markus-ritter-eu-monitoring-mission-armenia-euma/">Markus Ritter - The European Union Mission in Armenia | Ep 322 - Mar 29, 2024</a>.</p> <h1 id="the-european-union-mission-in-armenia">The European Union Mission in Armenia</h1> <p>Dr. Ritter, you have a rich career as a law enforcement official and reading your bio, we learned that you have also participated in five international deployments. Since this is your first visit to our podcast, and hopefully not the last, would you mind telling our listeners a little more about your background?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/322-markus-ritter-eu-observer-mission-in-armenia-euma/Fri, 29 Mar 2024 01:48:51 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/322-markus-ritter-eu-observer-mission-in-armenia-euma/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Mission Details. Mission &amp; Goals. Operational Details. Communication. Immunity. Perceptions from Neighboring Countries. Incidents. August 15 ,2023. Nerkin Hand.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/322/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/321-paul-cormarie-rand-how-can-the-us-support-armenia/Wed, 27 Mar 2024 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/321-paul-cormarie-rand-how-can-the-us-support-armenia/<h1 id="can-the-us-guarantee-armenias-security">Can the US Guarantee Armenia’s Security?</h1> <h2 id="article-review">Article Review</h2> <p>Paul, in your article you ask “should the United States even care about what happens in the South Caucasus”? And your first-look response is that no, there’s no strategic value for the US. Then you dig a little deeper and you posit that “an invasion of Armenia by Azerbaijan would run counter to American interests”.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Can you explain why?</li> <li>What are America’s strategic interests and objectives in the South Caucasus?</li> </ul> <p>Armenia has four neighbors: Iran, Georgia, Turkey and Azerbaijan. As long as Iran and the West are in conflict, no western support can reach Armenia through it. Azerbaijan and Turkey are the actual threats that we’re trying to mitigate, so no western support will reach Armenia through them. And Georgia is deeply reliant on Turkey and Azerbaijan in many aspects, so Armenians do not believe that it can be a reliable corridor for external support in a time of need, such as when a war breaks out.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/321-paul-cormarie-rand-how-can-the-us-support-armenia/Wed, 27 Mar 2024 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/321-paul-cormarie-rand-how-can-the-us-support-armenia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>US Strategic Interests in the South Caucasus. The Challenge of Armenia’s Neighborhood. Weaponry that could help Armenia. Clear Expectations and Limits. The Turkish Factor. The Iranian Factor.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/321/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/320-tevan-poghosyan-political-prisoners-in-armenia-stoltenberg-in-south-caucasus-pashinyan-in-tavush/Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/320-tevan-poghosyan-political-prisoners-in-armenia-stoltenberg-in-south-caucasus-pashinyan-in-tavush/<h2 id="terror-attack-in-moscow">Terror Attack in Moscow</h2> <p>On Friday night four terrorists attacked a concert hall in Moscow called the Crocus City Hall. At present the death toll <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/International/4-gunmen-arrested-moscow-concert-attack-death-toll/story?id=108421072">stands at</a> 137, and is expected to rise. The gunmen opened fire on the audience and set the building on fire. Atrocities were also committed.</p> <p>The Islamic terrorist group ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack, but details remain sketchy. On Saturday, president Putin declared that the four gunmen were apprehended as they fled towards Ukraine, and claimed that an escape “window” was prepared for the gunmen across the border in Ukraine. After questioning the gunmen reportedly confessed to be Tajiks who had transited through Turkey before reaching their destination.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/320-tevan-poghosyan-political-prisoners-in-armenia-stoltenberg-in-south-caucasus-pashinyan-in-tavush/Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/320-tevan-poghosyan-political-prisoners-in-armenia-stoltenberg-in-south-caucasus-pashinyan-in-tavush/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Terror Attack in Moscow. Growing List of Political Prisoners in Armenia. Narek Samsonyan &amp; Vazgen Saghatelyan brutally arrested. Narek Malyan Exonerated, Remains Jailed. Pashinyan in Tavush. Stoltenberg’s in the South Caucasus.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/320/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/319-tatul-manaseryan-armenia-economic-diversification-systemic-corruption-bank-secrecy/Sat, 23 Mar 2024 08:48:51 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/319-tatul-manaseryan-armenia-economic-diversification-systemic-corruption-bank-secrecy/<h1 id="tatul-manaseryan-on-economic-topics">Tatul Manaseryan on Economic Topics</h1> <p>Before we get started, we’d like to remind you to support us and help us expand our reach. First, you can share this link with your friends and if you feel extra generous please go to our donate page, podcasts.groong.org / donate. Thanks in advance!</p> <p>Dr. Manaseryan, as this is your first time on our show, would you tell us about yourself, so that our listeners may get to know you a little bit?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/319-tatul-manaseryan-armenia-economic-diversification-systemic-corruption-bank-secrecy/Sat, 23 Mar 2024 08:48:51 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/319-tatul-manaseryan-armenia-economic-diversification-systemic-corruption-bank-secrecy/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Economic Diversification. Systemic Corruption. Bank Secrecy Scrapped.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/319/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/318-arthur-martirosyan-canadian-ambassador-interview-more-concessions-by-pashinyan-eu-resolution-for-armenia-systemic-corruption/Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/318-arthur-martirosyan-canadian-ambassador-interview-more-concessions-by-pashinyan-eu-resolution-for-armenia-systemic-corruption/<h2 id="reaction-to-interview-with-canadian-ambassador">Reaction to Interview with Canadian Ambassador</h2> <p>Hovik, Asbed, and Arthur talk about the Canadian ambassador’s interview with Groong.</p> <p>Last week we published a lengthy interview with the new Canadian Ambassador to Armenia, Andrew Turner. We checked, and it seems to be the most comprehensive interview with the ambassador to date and goes beyond the traditional formalities. For those who want to listen to the hour-long interview, just look up episode 316 on your Youtube, Spotify, or any other channel where Groong exists.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/318-arthur-martirosyan-canadian-ambassador-interview-more-concessions-by-pashinyan-eu-resolution-for-armenia-systemic-corruption/Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/318-arthur-martirosyan-canadian-ambassador-interview-more-concessions-by-pashinyan-eu-resolution-for-armenia-systemic-corruption/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Reactions to Interview with Canadian Ambassador. More Concessions Signaled by Pashinyan. EU Parliament Resolution on Armenia. Fish Rots from the Head.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/318/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/317-hrant-mikaelian-analysis-of-two-recent-iri-and-mpg-polls/Mon, 18 Mar 2024 06:08:50 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/317-hrant-mikaelian-analysis-of-two-recent-iri-and-mpg-polls/<h1 id="mpg-and-iri-poll-results">MPG and IRI Poll Results</h1> <h2 id="iri-poll">IRI Poll</h2> <p>So the International Republican Institute <a href="https://www.iri.org/resources/public-opinion-survey-residents-of-armenia-december-2023/">poll</a>, which was released last week, was actually conducted just before Christmas 2023. It polled over 1,500 residents of Armenia and had a response rate of 28%, with an estimated margin error of plus or minus 2.5%.</p> <h3 id="and-maybe-the-responses-incorporate-the-good-feelings-and-optimism-of-the-holiday-season-who-knows">And maybe the responses incorporate the good feelings and optimism of the holiday season, who knows.</h3> <p>If you’d like to see the poll slides that we’re going to discuss, you can follow our show on our Youtube channel, where we will put the slides in our video. We’ll also put them in our world-famous show notes, at podcasts.groong.org.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/317-hrant-mikaelian-analysis-of-two-recent-iri-and-mpg-polls/Mon, 18 Mar 2024 06:08:50 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/317-hrant-mikaelian-analysis-of-two-recent-iri-and-mpg-polls/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>IRI Poll, December 2023. MPG Poll, February 2024.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/317/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/316-andrew-turner-canadian-embassy-in-armenia-eu-observer-mission-political-prisoners-military-supplies-to-turkey/Sat, 16 Mar 2024 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/316-andrew-turner-canadian-embassy-in-armenia-eu-observer-mission-political-prisoners-military-supplies-to-turkey/<h1 id="canadian-ambassador-andrew-turner">Canadian Ambassador Andrew Turner</h1> <p>As this is your first time on our show Mr. Turner, would you tell us a little about your background, your career in Canadian foreign affairs, and your path to Armenia?</p> <p>Follow-ups:</p> <ul> <li>Where is the embassy located now?</li> <li>Any plans for a more permanent location at this time?</li> </ul> <h2 id="establishment-of-canadian-embassy">Establishment of Canadian Embassy</h2> <h3 id="on-september-25-2023-a-week-after-the-total-ethnic-cleansing-of-armenians-started-in-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh-canada-named-its-first-ambassador-to-armenia">On September 25 2023, a week after the total ethnic cleansing of Armenians started in Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Canada <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/armenia-canada-ambassador-nagorno-karabakh-1.6977934">named</a> its first ambassador to Armenia.</h3> <h3 id="armenia">Armenia</h3> <p>There’s a healthy Armenian-Canadian diaspora all over Canada, for example in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa. They have strong ties to their old countries, like Armenia, and also for those of us whose grandparents survived the Genocide in 1915, and ended up in the Middle East, and who finally emigrated to Canada. I was one of them.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/316-andrew-turner-canadian-embassy-in-armenia-eu-observer-mission-political-prisoners-military-supplies-to-turkey/Sat, 16 Mar 2024 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/316-andrew-turner-canadian-embassy-in-armenia-eu-observer-mission-political-prisoners-military-supplies-to-turkey/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Establishment of Canadian Embassy in Armenia. EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia (EUMA). Political Prisoners. Canadian Military Supplies to Turkey.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/316/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20240313-01-pashinyan-regime-eu-aspirations/Wed, 13 Mar 2024 06:42:33 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/20240313-01-pashinyan-regime-eu-aspirations/<p>In this clip from <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/313">episode #313</a>, we discuss Pashinyan&rsquo;s bold move towards EU membership is risking its relationships with key allies like Russia and neighboring Iran. Recent statements hint at Armenia&rsquo;s serious consideration of joining the EU, alongside actions like freezing activity in the CSTO and inviting Russian forces out of an airport.</p> <p>Join us as we navigate the risks and uncertainties surrounding Armenia&rsquo;s daring foreign policy decisions.</p> <ul> <li>Full Episode: <a href="https://youtu.be/ObJ2jcinb5A">https://youtu.be/ObJ2jcinb5A</a></li> <li>Subscribe: <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">https://linktr.ee/groong</a></li> <li>Support Us Here: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">https://podcasts.groong.org/donate</a></li> </ul> <p>Listen to the segment and/or read the transcript below.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/315-archil-sikharulidze-georgian-nationalism-identity-armenia-georgia-relations-post-2018-strategic-partnership-eu-accession/Wed, 13 Mar 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/315-archil-sikharulidze-georgian-nationalism-identity-armenia-georgia-relations-post-2018-strategic-partnership-eu-accession/<h1 id="georgia-armenia-partnership--politics-in-the-south-caucasus">Georgia, Armenia, Partnership &amp; Politics in the South Caucasus</h1> <p>Archil, since it’s the first time you’re on the show, we’d appreciate learning a little more about your background. Can you tell us your areas of interest?</p> <h2 id="georgian-nationalism--identity">Georgian Nationalism &amp; Identity</h2> <p>Archil, when initially we were planning this interview, we asked you for a profile picture and you said to not expect one in a suit. And that sparked a number of interesting tangential discussions about conservatism and nationalism in Georgia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/315-archil-sikharulidze-georgian-nationalism-identity-armenia-georgia-relations-post-2018-strategic-partnership-eu-accession/Wed, 13 Mar 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/315-archil-sikharulidze-georgian-nationalism-identity-armenia-georgia-relations-post-2018-strategic-partnership-eu-accession/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Georgian Nationalism and Identity. Georgia, Armenia, post 2018. Accession to the EU. Strategic Partnership.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/315/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/314-ehsan-movahedian-iran-armenia-relations-security-architecture-u-turn-ngo-propaganda/Wed, 13 Mar 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/314-ehsan-movahedian-iran-armenia-relations-security-architecture-u-turn-ngo-propaganda/<h1 id="evolving-geopolitics-in-the-south-caucasus">Evolving Geopolitics in the South Caucasus</h1> <h2 id="iran-parliamentary-elections">Iran Parliamentary Elections</h2> <p>On March 1, 2024 Iran held parliamentary elections. The turnout of these elections was 41% which, based on our understanding, indicates that many of the seats in the Majles will go to a 2nd round of voting scheduled in May. Additionally, we understand that many seats were won by conservative candidates.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What should regional, and also global, actors expect from the outcome of these elections?</li> <li>Is it possible that the leader of Iran might change?</li> <li>How likely are foreign policy changes based on these elections?</li> </ul> <h2 id="geopolitical-u-turn-in-armenia">Geopolitical U-Turn in Armenia?</h2> <p>When the 2018 regime change happened in Armenia, there were many speculations about the future geopolitical direction of the new government, specifically that Armenia was going to make a u-turn to the west.. After the 2020 war and especially after the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh in September 2023, it seems Armenia is making steadfast and accelerated steps in a direction away from its security cooperation with the CSTO and Russia, in what Pashinyan’s government calls “security diversification,” but which in reality clearly looks like a divorce.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/314-ehsan-movahedian-iran-armenia-relations-security-architecture-u-turn-ngo-propaganda/Wed, 13 Mar 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/314-ehsan-movahedian-iran-armenia-relations-security-architecture-u-turn-ngo-propaganda/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Iran Parliamentary Elections. Geopolitical U-turn in Armenia? Iran Armenia Relations. Anti-Iranian Propaganda from NGOs.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/314/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/313-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-news-negotiations-with-azerbaijan-iran-warnings-european-union/Tue, 12 Mar 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/313-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-news-negotiations-with-azerbaijan-iran-warnings-european-union/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="celebrating-a-hero-vazgen-sargsyan">Celebrating A Hero: Vazgen Sargsyan</h2> <p>This week was the birthday of Vazgen Sargsyan, the first Defense Minister of Armenia who also served as Prime Minister of Armenia until his assassination in 1999.</p> <p>This was the 65th anniversary of the birth of the national hero, who is credited with building the Armenian army that was later responsible for the glorious victory in the first Artsakh war. He is referred to with the honorary title of “Sparapet”.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/313-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-news-negotiations-with-azerbaijan-iran-warnings-european-union/Tue, 12 Mar 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/313-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-news-negotiations-with-azerbaijan-iran-warnings-european-union/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia Stalled. Stalled with Enemies. Stalled with Allies. Economic Diversification. Fish Rots from the Head.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/313/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20240308-02-for-eu-turkey-is-the-leader-in-caucasus/Fri, 08 Mar 2024 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/20240308-02-for-eu-turkey-is-the-leader-in-caucasus/<p>The dialogue at the Antalya Diplomatic Forum illuminates a critical facet of EU&rsquo;s geopolitical calculus: when they speak of &ldquo;The West&rdquo; in the context of the South Caucasus, they implicitly refer to Turkey. We dissect Armenia&rsquo;s diplomatic challenges, laying bare the stark realities of power dynamics in the region. Against the backdrop of Turkey&rsquo;s strategic significance, the debate underscores the profound implications of EU&rsquo;s reliance on Ankara to assert its dominance and open communication channels in the region. We shed light on the urgent need for Armenia to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape where alliances and allegiances are constantly shifting.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20240308-01-interview-with-jean-christophe-buisson/Fri, 08 Mar 2024 05:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/20240308-01-interview-with-jean-christophe-buisson/<p>In this clip from <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/312">episode 312</a>, Arthur Khachikyan discusses his <a href="https://youtu.be/U8bIk9f-1Qw">recent interview</a> with Jean-Christophe Buisson, deputy editor of Le Figaro, a highly influential French newspaper with close ties to Macron and other French leaders. Arthur, the interviewer, highlights the deputy editor&rsquo;s strong support for the Armenian people but underscores France&rsquo;s unwillingness to intervene militarily in conflicts involving Armenia due to domestic and geopolitical constraints.</p> <ul> <li>FULL EPISODE: <a href="https://youtu.be/uxFFuEvj6XM">https://youtu.be/uxFFuEvj6XM</a></li> <li>SUBSCRIBE HERE: <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">https://linktr.ee/groong</a></li> <li>SUPPORT US HERE: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">https://podcasts.groong.org/donate</a></li> </ul> <p>Listen to the segment and/or read the transcript below.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20240307-01-russian-armenian-expert-discussion/Thu, 07 Mar 2024 07:00:57 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/20240307-01-russian-armenian-expert-discussion/<p>In this clip from <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/312">episode #312</a>, we discuss a recent Russian-Armenian experts dialogue held in Yerevan, discussions delved into the state of relations between the two nations. Our guest Arthur Khachikyan was one of the participants.</p> <p>The expert dialogue sparked significant reactions in Armenia, with some media channels expressing negativity towards the candid exchanges that took place. The Russian side was notably frank, warning of potential consequences for Armenia&rsquo;s Western reorientation, referencing past events like Karabakh and suggesting future territorial concerns. The dialogue shed light on various geopolitical concerns, including the potential implications for Armenia&rsquo;s territorial integrity and its relationship with Russia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20240303-02-russian-warnings-assessing-armenia-geopolitical-choices/Sun, 03 Mar 2024 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/20240303-02-russian-warnings-assessing-armenia-geopolitical-choices/<p>On February 24, a group of Russian and Armenian experts met in Congress hotel in Yerevan to discuss the state of Armenia-Russia relations. The discussion was friendly but tough and frank.</p> <p>Our guest from <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/311">episode #311</a> was one of the participants in that discussion.</p> <ul> <li> <p>Full Episode: <a href="https://youtu.be/GlPVBFSZwT8?si=vopKrkHXQm2Qq-KQ">https://youtu.be/GlPVBFSZwT8?si=vopKrkHXQm2Qq-KQ</a></p> </li> <li> <p>Subscribe: <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">https://linktr.ee/groong</a></p> </li> <li> <p>Support Us Here: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">https://podcasts.groong.org/donate</a></p> </li> </ul> <p>Listen to the segment and/or read the transcript below.</p> <div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden;"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share; fullscreen" loading="eager" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k5CWuImpq_s?autoplay=0&amp;controls=1&amp;end=0&amp;loop=0&amp;mute=0&amp;start=0" style="position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border:0;" title="YouTube video"></iframe> </div> <h1 id="transcript">Transcript</h1> <p><strong>Hovik</strong>: On Saturday, February 24, there was a major discussion between Russian and Armenian experts on the state of relations between the two countries.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20240303-01-honeymoon-in-paris-discord-in-south-caucasus/Sun, 03 Mar 2024 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/20240303-01-honeymoon-in-paris-discord-in-south-caucasus/<p>The following is a transcript of a clip from <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/311">episode 311</a>, where we address the blooming romance (at least as it appears externally) between the Armenia and France, NATO and the collective West.</p> <p>Russia is expressing serious concerns about Western influence encroaching on Russian interests in the region. Iran remains cautious about potential NATO presence near its borders and refusal of Armenia to cooperate in the security sphere.</p> <p>The selective secrecy surrounding arms deliveries raises questions about political motives, which emphasize western weapon deliveries which are of small significance or in yet small quantities, while purchases of potentially advanced weaponry of Russian origin are being downplayed and minimized.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/312-arthur-khachikyan-russia-armenia-azerbaijan-relations-munich-antalya-turkey-normalization/Sun, 03 Mar 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/312-arthur-khachikyan-russia-armenia-azerbaijan-relations-munich-antalya-turkey-normalization/<h2 id="expert-discussions-on-russian---armenian-relations">Expert Discussions on Russian - Armenian Relations</h2> <p>Arthur last week we were talking with <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/smelkonian">Sergei Melkonian</a> about the Russian-Armenian <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/wZOA2IVtRmE?si=8Cb7dKrKOzCIfKAs">experts dialogue</a> that was held in Yerevan on February 24, where Russian and Armenian experts discussed the state of relations between the two countries. You were also there, so we thought we’d ask you the same as we asked Sergei.</p> <p><strong>Question:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What was your overall impression of the dialogue?</li> </ul> <p>According to some Russian experts on the panel, Russia is currently conducting a “damage control” policy with regard to Armenia. In other words, a passive policy. At the same time, some of the experts blamed Armenia for the worsening relations.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/312-arthur-khachikyan-russia-armenia-azerbaijan-relations-munich-antalya-turkey-normalization/Sun, 03 Mar 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/312-arthur-khachikyan-russia-armenia-azerbaijan-relations-munich-antalya-turkey-normalization/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Remembering Sumgait Pogroms. Russian-Armenian Experts Dialog. Exit from CSTO? Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations. Edmon Marukyan Resigns.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/312/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20240228-01-are-cia-and-mi6-overseeing-creation-of-armenian-intelligence-agency/Wed, 28 Feb 2024 01:41:22 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/20240228-01-are-cia-and-mi6-overseeing-creation-of-armenian-intelligence-agency/<h1 id="pashinyans-rendezvous-with-ciami6-spy-masters">Pashinyan&rsquo;s Rendezvous With CIA/MI6 Spy Masters</h1> <p>We rarely try to propagate rumors, but in this case we believe this is important. In <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/310">episode 310</a>, we talked about the potential that the US CIA and the UK MI6 are overseeing the creation of Armenia&rsquo;s new intelligence service.</p> <p>Listen to the segment and continue reading&hellip;</p> <div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden;"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share; fullscreen" loading="eager" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EMmtBBLcEeo?autoplay=0&amp;controls=1&amp;end=0&amp;loop=0&amp;mute=0&amp;start=0" style="position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border:0;" title="YouTube video"></iframe> </div> <h1 id="chronology">Chronology</h1> <p>Until recently, Armenia&rsquo;s National Security Service has been the main intelligence agency for both internal and external intelligence gathering. Internally, it is the main agency who is able to tap phones, investigate cases of espionage, corruption, etc&hellip; Pashinyan, in the past has publicly alluded to the fact that the NSS has close ties to external countries (meaning Russia). However, when Pashinyan <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32186107.html">announced</a> work to split the NSS and take away foreign intelligence gathering from its scope, he praised the agency, claiming it to be &ldquo;one of the most important pillars of our state.&rdquo;</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/311-sergei-melkonian-french-armenian-defense-cooperation-misak-manouchian-russian-relations-risk-of-war-with-azerbaijan/Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/311-sergei-melkonian-french-armenian-defense-cooperation-misak-manouchian-russian-relations-risk-of-war-with-azerbaijan/<h2 id="french-connection">French Connection</h2> <h3 id="missak-manouchian">Missak Manouchian</h3> <p>On February 21, the French government held a historic ceremony where the remains of Missak Manouchian (and his wife Meline) were interred in the Panthéon in Paris. Manouchian was an Armenian genocide survivor who during the second world war joined the French resistance and led a number of daring operations that liquidated more than a 100 Nazis.</p> <p>This is a pretty big honor. Manouchian is now in the company of the great Frenchmen like Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Marie Curie, Alexandre Dumas and others. This event was covered widely in the French press. Pashinyan was invited and attended.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/311-sergei-melkonian-french-armenian-defense-cooperation-misak-manouchian-russian-relations-risk-of-war-with-azerbaijan/Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/311-sergei-melkonian-french-armenian-defense-cooperation-misak-manouchian-russian-relations-risk-of-war-with-azerbaijan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>French Connection. Russian-Armenian Dialog. Negotiations and Risk of War.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/311/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/310-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-security-in-danger-munich-security-conference-relations-with-regional-allies/Sun, 18 Feb 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/310-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-security-in-danger-munich-security-conference-relations-with-regional-allies/<h2 id="armenias-security-in-danger">Armenia&rsquo;s Security in Danger</h2> <p>Earlier this week 4 of our soldiers were shot dead on the border near Nerkin Hand, when Azerbaijan opened fire alleging that they were retaliating against Armenians firing at them the previous day. When Azerbaijan made the allegation, Pashinyan and Suren Papikyan responded that they would investigate the possible violation of their rules that Armenian soldiers will not fire on Azerbaijan, and if true, they would prosecute the soldiers. Later they claimed that <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1130462.html">Azerbaijan made false claims</a>, but serious damage was already done to Armenia’s credibility. Even EU foreign policy head Borrell gave Azerbaijan a huge boost by <a href="https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/armenia-press-remarks-high-representative-josep-borrell-after-eu-armenia-partnership-council_en">accepting</a> the unproven allegation that Armenians had shot at Azerbaijanis the day before and labeling the incident as “deplorable”, before saying that he thinks Azerbaijan’s bloody murder of 4 Armenians seems to be a “disproportionate response”.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/310-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-security-in-danger-munich-security-conference-relations-with-regional-allies/Sun, 18 Feb 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/310-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-security-in-danger-munich-security-conference-relations-with-regional-allies/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia’s Security in Danger. Munich Security Conference. Relations with Regional Allies.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/310/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/309-hrant-mikaelian-mpg-poll-results-armenian-constitution-economy-politics-negotiations-with-azerbaijan/Sun, 11 Feb 2024 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/309-hrant-mikaelian-mpg-poll-results-armenian-constitution-economy-politics-negotiations-with-azerbaijan/<h2 id="yerevan-politics">Yerevan Politics</h2> <h3 id="minority-rule-in-yerevan">Minority Rule in Yerevan</h3> <p>On Thursday, the Yerevan Avagani (Council of Elders, or City Council) met to discuss the canceling of mandates of several opposition council members. The opposition had planned to boycott the council meeting and prevent a quorum, but two members of the Public Voice party joined the meeting and voted with Civil Contract and the Republic party to overcome quorum and also gave them the needed votes to <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1129742.html">oust Hayk Marutyan</a>, a former mayor of Yerevan and leader of the second largest party in the council, as well as two other council members. Yet another two council members, including Zaruhi Postanjyan survived the vote.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/309-hrant-mikaelian-mpg-poll-results-armenian-constitution-economy-politics-negotiations-with-azerbaijan/Sun, 11 Feb 2024 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/309-hrant-mikaelian-mpg-poll-results-armenian-constitution-economy-politics-negotiations-with-azerbaijan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Yerevan City Politics. Aliyev “Elections”. Armenia-Georgia Strategic Partnership. Latest MPG Poll Review.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/309/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/308-david-darchiashvili-georgia-armenia-strategic-partnership-regional-relations-and-geopolitics/Thu, 08 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/308-david-darchiashvili-georgia-armenia-strategic-partnership-regional-relations-and-geopolitics/<p>Dr. Darchiashvili, as this is your first time on our show, please tell us a little bit about yourself, your interests and your endeavors!</p> <h2 id="georgian-politics">Georgian Politics</h2> <p>Over the past two decades, Georgia has weathered storms of political upheaval, economic instability, and even outright conflict. The scars of the 2008 Russo-Georgian War still linger, serving as a stark reminder of the tumultuous times the nation has endured. In the aftermath of the Rose Revolution in 2003, hopes were high for democratic consolidation and economic prosperity. However, the road to progress was marred by internal divisions, external pressures, and regressions in reforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/308-david-darchiashvili-georgia-armenia-strategic-partnership-regional-relations-and-geopolitics/Thu, 08 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/308-david-darchiashvili-georgia-armenia-strategic-partnership-regional-relations-and-geopolitics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Dr. Darchiashvili, as this is your first time on our show, please tell us a little bit about yourself, your interests and your endeavors!</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/308/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/307-michael-goorjian-amerikatsi-armenian-cinema-oscars-shortlist-2024-film-arts/Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/307-michael-goorjian-amerikatsi-armenian-cinema-oscars-shortlist-2024-film-arts/<h2 id="topics-of-conversation">Topics of Conversation</h2> <h4 id="intro-to-show-with-michael-goorjian">Intro to show with Michael Goorjian</h4> <h4 id="artistic-influences">Artistic influences</h4> <h4 id="about-the-voyeur-motif">About the voyeur motif</h4> <h4 id="the-less-armenian-and-more-human-and-universal-aspect">The less Armenian and more human and universal aspect</h4> <h4 id="russia">Russia</h4> <h4 id="the-humor-in-the-film">The humor in the film</h4> <h4 id="the-colors-of-this-film">The colors of this film</h4> <h4 id="the-music-and-sounds-in-the-film">The music and sounds in the film</h4> <h4 id="about-hoviks-hat">About Hovik’s hat…</h4> <h4 id="casting-acting-editing">Casting, acting, editing</h4> <h4 id="directing-style">Directing style</h4> <h4 id="which-directors-have-influenced-goorjian">Which directors have influenced Goorjian?</h4> <h4 id="the-parallels-between-michaels-charlie-and-chaplin">The parallels between Michael’s Charlie and Chaplin</h4> <h4 id="the-silent-aspect-of-communication">The “silent” aspect of communication</h4> <h4 id="filming-through-the-prison-window">Filming through the prison window</h4> <h4 id="the-choice-of-charlies-actively-learning-and-immersing">The Choice of Charlie’s actively learning and immersing</h4> <h4 id="see-this-movie">See this movie!</h4> <h4 id="whats-next">What’s next?</h4> <h4 id="what-do-you-need-to-continue-to-make-films">What do you need to continue to make films?</h4> <h4 id="what-was-the-oscar-shortlisting-journey-like">What was the Oscar Shortlisting journey like?</h4> <h4 id="why-the-nomination-will-help-film-making-in-armenia">Why the nomination will help film making in Armenia</h4> <h4 id="what-do-you-think-of-parajanov">What do you think of Parajanov?</h4> <h4 id="what-about-atom-egoyan">What about Atom Egoyan?</h4> <h4 id="how-would-we-come-up-with-an-armenian-superhero---khorovadz-man">How would we come up with an Armenian Superhero - Khorovadz man?</h4> <h4 id="about-michael-goorjian">About Michael Goorjian</h4> <h4 id="bedros--asbed-shoot-the-breeze-about-the-conversation">Bedros &amp; Asbed shoot the breeze about the Conversation</h4> <h4 id="wrap-up-and-about-dr-bedros-afeyan">Wrap up and about Dr. Bedros Afeyan</h4> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news. Thanks to <strong>Laura Osborn</strong> for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/307-michael-goorjian-amerikatsi-armenian-cinema-oscars-shortlist-2024-film-arts/Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/307-michael-goorjian-amerikatsi-armenian-cinema-oscars-shortlist-2024-film-arts/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Amerikatsi: Motifs, Aspects and Character of the Film. Goorjian’s Style, Influences, and Interests. The Oscar Shortlisting journey. Bedros &amp; Asbed Afterthoughts on the Conversation.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/307/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/306-varuzhan-geghamyan-armenian-azerbaijani-talks-ebrahim-raisi-recep-erdogan-ankara-domestic-politics/Sun, 04 Feb 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/306-varuzhan-geghamyan-armenian-azerbaijani-talks-ebrahim-raisi-recep-erdogan-ankara-domestic-politics/<h2 id="diplomatic-flurry">Diplomatic Flurry</h2> <p>Since the 44-Day war, Iran has woken up to the new geopolitical realities, understanding that it can no longer leave the northern vector to a silent alliance with Russia. Iran has increased its diplomatic activity and military readiness, and on the economic front, as of January 1, Iran is a member of BRICS and has a sweeping free trade agreement with the EAEU. And its one border with the EAEU is with Armenia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/306-varuzhan-geghamyan-armenian-azerbaijani-talks-ebrahim-raisi-recep-erdogan-ankara-domestic-politics/Sun, 04 Feb 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/306-varuzhan-geghamyan-armenian-azerbaijani-talks-ebrahim-raisi-recep-erdogan-ankara-domestic-politics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Diplomatic Flurry. Raisi in Ankara. Raisi in Moscow. Putin in Ankara. Aliyev’s Constitution for Armenia. How can the Opposition become a consequential force?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/306/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/305-anna-karapetyan-armenian-azerbaijani-talks-is-armenia-rearming-pashinyan-constitution/Mon, 29 Jan 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/305-anna-karapetyan-armenian-azerbaijani-talks-is-armenia-rearming-pashinyan-constitution/<p>January 28 is Armenian Army day and this year Armenia celebrated the 32nd anniversary of the formation of the Armenian Armed Forces. Despite all of the challenges and setbacks, Armenia’s Army remains the guarantor of Armenia’s statehood and the hope for Armenia’s recovery.</p> <p>At Groong, we congratulate and say “thank you” to all those who’ve taken part in service for their country and we remember all those who gave their everything for their country.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/305-anna-karapetyan-armenian-azerbaijani-talks-is-armenia-rearming-pashinyan-constitution/Mon, 29 Jan 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/305-anna-karapetyan-armenian-azerbaijani-talks-is-armenia-rearming-pashinyan-constitution/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>January 28 is Armenian Army day and this year Armenia celebrated the 32nd anniversary of the formation of the Armenian Armed Forces. Despite all of the challenges and setbacks, Armenia’s Army remains the guarantor of Armenia’s statehood and the hope for Armenia’s recovery.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/305/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/304-yeghia-tashjian-world-in-conflict-ukraine-israel-gaza-armenian-azerbaijan-negotiations-2024-outlook/Tue, 23 Jan 2024 00:15:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/304-yeghia-tashjian-world-in-conflict-ukraine-israel-gaza-armenian-azerbaijan-negotiations-2024-outlook/<h2 id="world-in-conflict">World in Conflict</h2> <p>Israel’s war on Palestine in Gaza is raging. We’ve gone over 25,000 dead and over 60,000 injured, which is a human tragedy by any standard of measurement.</p> <p>All indications are that Israel is preparing to take the war north to Lebanon and involve Iranian-allied Hezbollah forces. Yemen has managed to severely disrupt shipping lanes in the Red sea. Iran struck targets in Iraq, Syria and even bombed alleged terrorist camps in Pakistan. The following day, Pakistan retaliated using the same allegations.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/304-yeghia-tashjian-world-in-conflict-ukraine-israel-gaza-armenian-azerbaijan-negotiations-2024-outlook/Tue, 23 Jan 2024 00:15:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/304-yeghia-tashjian-world-in-conflict-ukraine-israel-gaza-armenian-azerbaijan-negotiations-2024-outlook/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>World in Conflict. Ukraine, Israel-Gaza, Middle East. Armenia Azerbaijan Negotiations. Prognosis for 2024. Thoughts from the Participants.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/304/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/303-pietro-shakarian-russia-ukraine-armenia-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh-in-geopolitical-context/Mon, 22 Jan 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/303-pietro-shakarian-russia-ukraine-armenia-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh-in-geopolitical-context/<h2 id="an-armenian-in-st-petersburg">An Armenian in St. Petersburg</h2> <p>How is life in Saint Petersburg, Russia?</p> <p>For the past couple of years the mainstream Western press has pushed a narrative that Russia is on the verge of collapse due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. But just in the last 6 months this has started shifting, and there are reports that the US and some EU countries are pushing Ukraine to find a negotiated settlement with Russia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/303-pietro-shakarian-russia-ukraine-armenia-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh-in-geopolitical-context/Mon, 22 Jan 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/303-pietro-shakarian-russia-ukraine-armenia-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh-in-geopolitical-context/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>An Armenian in St. Petersburg, Russia. Russian Perceptions and Outlook on the War in Ukraine. Perceptions of Armenia and Artsakh in Russia. World Events that might Affect Outcome of the War in Ukraine. Where do Armenia and Artsakh Figure in a New World Order?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/303/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/302-karen-vrtanesyan-illusion-of-normalcy-political-prisoners-judicial-harassment-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-military-capacity-what-next/Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/302-karen-vrtanesyan-illusion-of-normalcy-political-prisoners-judicial-harassment-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-military-capacity-what-next/<h2 id="forced-illusion-of-normalcy">“Forced Illusion of Normalcy”</h2> <p>Traditionally, New Year&rsquo;s Eve is one of the most popular holidays in Armenia (and the former Soviet Union). The vast majority of people ring in the new year at home with family and friends.</p> <p>This year, on December 31, Hovik and Karen and many others were on the streets of Yerevan, and not on Republic Square with the big Christmas tree and a countdown clock and big crowds.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/302-karen-vrtanesyan-illusion-of-normalcy-political-prisoners-judicial-harassment-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-military-capacity-what-next/Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/302-karen-vrtanesyan-illusion-of-normalcy-political-prisoners-judicial-harassment-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-military-capacity-what-next/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>“Forced Illusion of Normalcy”. Political Prisoners and Judicial Harassment. Negotiations and “Peace Treaty”. Armenia’s Military Capacity. What Need to be Done? Thoughts from the Participants.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/302/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/301-tevan-poghosyan-armenian-catholicos-canceled-by-public-tv-governors-replaced-corridor-redux/Tue, 09 Jan 2024 00:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/301-tevan-poghosyan-armenian-catholicos-canceled-by-public-tv-governors-replaced-corridor-redux/<h2 id="state-tv-cancels-catholicos-new-years-address">State TV Cancels Catholicos New Year’s Address</h2> <p>For the past few decades the tradition has been that the Catholicos of All Armenians addresses the nation on New Year’s eve, followed by addresses by the top leader of the nation: either the president or the prime minister.</p> <p><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32756257.html">Reportedly</a>, at the last minute Public TV tried to switch the time of the catholicos’ address to an earlier slot, to be shown during the evening news, but Etchmiadzin refused it. As a result, the address of the catholicos was not aired on December 31st, 2023.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/301-tevan-poghosyan-armenian-catholicos-canceled-by-public-tv-governors-replaced-corridor-redux/Tue, 09 Jan 2024 00:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/301-tevan-poghosyan-armenian-catholicos-canceled-by-public-tv-governors-replaced-corridor-redux/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Public TV Cancels Catholicos New Year’s Address. Governor Hunting Season. “Zangezur corridor” redux; “Peace treaty”. Thoughts from the Participants. Podcasts, labels, and language of division.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/301/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/300-benyamin-poghosyan-shahramanyan-annuls-artsakh-dissolution-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-pashinyan-saint-petersburgh/Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/300-benyamin-poghosyan-shahramanyan-annuls-artsakh-dissolution-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-pashinyan-saint-petersburgh/<h2 id="artsakh-president-annuls-dissolution-of-republic">Artsakh President Annuls Dissolution of Republic</h2> <p>Three months after Azerbaijan’s invasion of Artsakh Republic and eviction of its remaining 100,000 population, president-in-exile Samvel Shahramanyan has allegedly <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32743402.html">annulled his declaration</a> of dissolving the republic on January 1, 2024, which he had made under duress, to save more civilians from brutal torture and murder.</p> <p>There are a number of serious caveats to this story:</p> <ul> <li>First, the original document claiming to be that of dissolution of Artsakh has never been officially published, Shahramanyan made the declaration in the middle of a brutal invasion and with hundreds of Armenians being killed.</li> <li>Even if this document was indeed what it is purported to be, legal analysts claim that it is invalid, since besides being made under duress, the executive branch cannot legally make a decision to dissolve all other branches of government and terminate a country like it’s a defunct business.</li> <li>The news about the annulment comes from his adviser, Vladimir Grigoryan and not Shahramanyan himself. The following day, Grigoryan issued a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/vladimirgrigoryan/posts/pfbid0eMngTDwm8DbnnsosAYTecNkpy7EhsEQudY8fm7mKaPurocshPrPG1SbES3Bts3Aql">statement</a> indicating that what he said previously was his own personal opinion, and by the way, he is no longer Shahramanyan’s adviser. Many speculate that this was a result of the strong backlash from Civil Contract reps, which we’ll talk about below.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/300-benyamin-poghosyan-shahramanyan-annuls-artsakh-dissolution-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-pashinyan-saint-petersburgh/Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/300-benyamin-poghosyan-shahramanyan-annuls-artsakh-dissolution-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-pashinyan-saint-petersburgh/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Artsakh President Annuls Dissolution of Republic. Insecurity without Borders. Pashinyan in St. Petersburg. Year-end 2023 Predictions Review. Predictions for 2024.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/300/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/299-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-prisoner-exchange-point-zero-negotiations-strategy-western-interests-israel-gaza-georgia-eu/Tue, 19 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/299-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-prisoner-exchange-point-zero-negotiations-strategy-western-interests-israel-gaza-georgia-eu/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="negotiations">Negotiations</h2> <p>The past couple of weeks we’ve seen developments in Armenia’s interactions with Azerbaijan, Russia, the US, Turkey or the EU.</p> <p>For example:</p> <ul> <li>Between Armenia and Russia, there’s a full on war of words, and even some actual actions afoot. For example the customs issues at the Lars checkpoint; the <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32732616.html">claims and counter-claims</a> about Russian TV violations of intergovernmental agreements for retransmission in Armenia; the threats of <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32732393.html">exiting the CSTO</a> and the <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32732185.html">warnings from Russia</a> about it; etc.</li> <li>With Azerbaijan, there was the <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32729227.html">exchange of prisoners</a>; Armenia’s <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32730578.html">call</a> to return to negotiations in the west; to <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32732542.html">pull back</a> armed forces from the borders; and for the millionth time reaffirming its commitment to <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32730843.html">opening transportation links</a> for Turkish-Azeri use. All of which seem to have fallen on deaf ears.</li> <li>On the EU front, they’re expanding their monitoring mission in Armenia, but Charles Michel has suddenly become <a href="https://groong.org/news/msg138353.html">unable to say</a> “Nagorno-Karabakh”, he just Artsakh “that region of Azerbaijan”.</li> <li>Meanwhile the US and Turkey play good cop bad cop with Armenia. Turkey pushes Armenia to open the “Zangezur corridor”, while the US tries to make sure Russia and Iran don’t control whatever Turkish corridor connects the Turanic world, and puts it in terms of protecting Armenia.</li> </ul> <p>Should we look at these from the perspective of crisis management and negotiation tactics?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/299-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-prisoner-exchange-point-zero-negotiations-strategy-western-interests-israel-gaza-georgia-eu/Tue, 19 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/299-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-prisoner-exchange-point-zero-negotiations-strategy-western-interests-israel-gaza-georgia-eu/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Negotiations. Strategy, Prisoner Exchange, “Point Zero”. The West’s Interests. Israel-Gaza Conflict.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/299/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/298-aghasi-yenokian-ruling-party-power-grabs-early-elections-judiciary-concerns-new-book/Thu, 14 Dec 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/298-aghasi-yenokian-ruling-party-power-grabs-early-elections-judiciary-concerns-new-book/<h1 id="ruling-party-power-grabs">Ruling Party Power Grabs</h1> <h2 id="alaverdi">Alaverdi</h2> <p>Back in 2021 Aprelu Yerkir was able to garner enough votes in the elections to install Arkadi Tamazyan as the mayor of the region, which includes <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32715584.html">Alaverdi</a> and a dozen or so townships. In order to succeed, Aprelu Yerkir struck an alliance with Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s Armenian National Congress (ANC, or HAK) to gain a one seat majority in the city council. This was a serious setback for Pashinyan, and Civil Contract.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/298-aghasi-yenokian-ruling-party-power-grabs-early-elections-judiciary-concerns-new-book/Thu, 14 Dec 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/298-aghasi-yenokian-ruling-party-power-grabs-early-elections-judiciary-concerns-new-book/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Ruling Party Power Grabs. Why is Civil Contract so Adamant on Total Municipal Control. Political Prisoners. Early/Snap Elections? Armenia’s Controlled Judiciary. About Yenokian’s new book: Ալտերնատիվ պատմություն Հայոց.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/298/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/297-sergei-melkonian-no-peace-negotiations-aliyev-azerbaijan-snap-elections-russia-armenia-ukraine-war/Wed, 13 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/297-sergei-melkonian-no-peace-negotiations-aliyev-azerbaijan-snap-elections-russia-armenia-ukraine-war/<h2 id="no-peace-treaty-negotiations">“No Peace” Treaty Negotiations</h2> <h3 id="rollercoaster-continues">Rollercoaster Continues</h3> <p>The so-called “peace negotiations” between Armenia and Azerbaijan resemble a rollercoaster. While Pashinyan and his government are begging for peace, Aliyev frequently goes from praising Pashinyan to making threats against Armenia. And so it was this week, when we were pretty sure that Aliyev had dumped the western platform for negotiations and we saw cancellations of high-level visits between the US and Azerbaijan and warnings from the US.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/297-sergei-melkonian-no-peace-negotiations-aliyev-azerbaijan-snap-elections-russia-armenia-ukraine-war/Wed, 13 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/297-sergei-melkonian-no-peace-negotiations-aliyev-azerbaijan-snap-elections-russia-armenia-ukraine-war/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>“No Peace” Treaty Negotiations. Turkish-Azeri goal: Demilitarized Armenia (aka Batumi Treaty 2.0). Humiliating Swap of Azeri Criminals for Armenian Hostages. Aliyev Calls for Snap Elections. Russia-Armenian Relations. Russia-Ukraine War.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/297/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/296-benyamin-poghosyan-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-diplomacy-with-the-west-relations-with-russia/Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/296-benyamin-poghosyan-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-diplomacy-with-the-west-relations-with-russia/<h2 id="armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations">Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations</h2> <p>In the past two weeks since our last Week-in-Review show, the state of Armenian Azerbaijani negotiations appears to shift on a daily basis.</p> <p>At this point it’s clear that Aliyev thinks he’s gotten the maximum out of western mediation so he’s now trying to shift the negotiations either to a <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32694023.html">direct format</a> with Armenia, or one mediated through some regional player.</p> <p>This past week Armenia forwarded its latest draft proposal in the talks, and indicated it is <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32695001.html">willing</a> to continue negotiating with Azerbaijan, and deputy Prime Ministers Mher Grigoryan and Shahin Mustafaev <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32708691.html">met</a> “on the border” (Kazakh and Ijevan districts) for discussions on border delimitation.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/296-benyamin-poghosyan-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-diplomacy-with-the-west-relations-with-russia/Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/296-benyamin-poghosyan-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-diplomacy-with-the-west-relations-with-russia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations. Armenian Diplomacy in the West. Relations with Russia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/296/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/295-hrant-mikaelian-armenia-foreign-policy-vectors-mpg-poll-results-economy-budget-2024/Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/295-hrant-mikaelian-armenia-foreign-policy-vectors-mpg-poll-results-economy-budget-2024/<h1 id="pashinyans-vector-roulette">Pashinyan’s Vector Roulette</h1> <p>&ldquo;What’s our vector, Victor?&rdquo;</p> <h2 id="the-western-vector">The Western Vector</h2> <p>First, let’s begin with Armenia-West relations.</p> <p>Armenia’s Foreign Policy seems like it’s all about attending conferences in the west and hosting European MP’s to tell them about Pashinyan’s Crossroads of Peace. and avoiding important ministerial and summit meetings on the Russian side. Armenian authorities made serious efforts to find any conference in the West that they could attend, so that they’d have an excuse not to attend a CSTO event.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/295-hrant-mikaelian-armenia-foreign-policy-vectors-mpg-poll-results-economy-budget-2024/Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/295-hrant-mikaelian-armenia-foreign-policy-vectors-mpg-poll-results-economy-budget-2024/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian Foreign Policy Vectors. Latest MPG Poll Result Analysis. Armenian Economy and 2024 Budget.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/295/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/294-aram-orbelyan-confused-status-of-artsakh-refugees-in-armenia-consequences/Tue, 14 Nov 2023 22:12:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/294-aram-orbelyan-confused-status-of-artsakh-refugees-in-armenia-consequences/<h1 id="special-protected-status-for-artsakh-refugees">“Special Protected Status for Artsakh Refugees”</h1> <p>Recently, the Armenian government announced that it would give a “Special Protected” status to refugees from Artsakh. The government says that this is equivalent to a status of a refugee and Artsakhtsis are not considered citizens of Armenia. Those wishing to be recognized as citizens of Armenia and enjoy benefits such as pensions and other government support must apply for citizenship.</p> <p>This decision has bewildered many refugees from Artsakh who hold blue passports, just like other Armenian citizens, in which it is written that the holder of this passport is a citizen of the Republic of Armenia. The only difference for Artsakh residents is that the authority field in the passport has the code 070.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/294-aram-orbelyan-confused-status-of-artsakh-refugees-in-armenia-consequences/Tue, 14 Nov 2023 22:12:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/294-aram-orbelyan-confused-status-of-artsakh-refugees-in-armenia-consequences/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>What are the different status options? Armenian Passport and Citizenship. What is Authority Code 070, how is it being treated? What Hurdles are Artsakhtsis facing in Armenia and Why? What is the Armenian Government’s Posture on all this? Aliyev’s Deadline and What Armenian Should do about it. Does the Rome Statute Help?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/294/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/293-aram-orbelyan-1991-alma-ata-declaration/Tue, 14 Nov 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/293-aram-orbelyan-1991-alma-ata-declaration/<h1 id="the-1991-alma-ata-declaration">The 1991 Alma Ata Declaration</h1> <h2 id="armenia-and-the-1991-alma-ata-protocols">Armenia and the 1991 Alma-Ata Protocols</h2> <p>The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alma-Ata_Protocol">1991 Alma-Ata</a> <a href="https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL(1994)054-e">protocols</a> were the founding documents for the Commonwealth of Independent States, the CIS, and were signed on December 21, 1991. The founding of the CIS then led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union on December 26.</p> <p>A key argument (or excuse) that Pashinyan throws around as part of his “I didn’t do it” defense in losing Artsakh, is that by signing the 1991 Alma-Ata protocols, Armenia had already recognized Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/293-aram-orbelyan-1991-alma-ata-declaration/Tue, 14 Nov 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/293-aram-orbelyan-1991-alma-ata-declaration/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>What is the 1991 Alma Ata Declaration? What is the CIS Based on? About Borders, Treaties, and Declarations. Armenia’s explicit reservation affecting Artsakh in the Treaty. Why would Pashinyan ignore the Reservations? Territorial Integrity and Use of Force. What Autonomy was LTP Envisioning? Where does 2023 Leave the Cause of Artsakh? How should Armenia Pursue it on the International Scene?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/293/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/291-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-crossroads-of-peace-three-plus-three-iran-russia-defense-with-france-artsakh-refugees-shahramanyan/Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/291-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-crossroads-of-peace-three-plus-three-iran-russia-defense-with-france-artsakh-refugees-shahramanyan/<h2 id="crossroads-of-peace">Crossroads of Peace</h2> <p>This past week Pashinyan attended the Silk Road Forum conference in Tiflis where he unveiled his new plan he calls <a href="https://georgiaonline.ge/economy/56252/armenian-pm-nikol-pashinyan-attends-silk-road-forum/#google_vignette">Crossroads of Peace</a>. While Pashinyan presented, Azerbaijan was represented only at the deputy prime minister level. The plan is based on four principles:</p> <ol> <li>Sovereignty over own infrastructure</li> <li>Border control &amp; security</li> <li>Dual use infrastructure</li> <li>Equal access and simplified procedures</li> </ol> <p><strong>Questions</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>What’s new with this plan?</li> <li>Is this just a sugar-coating of the “Zangezur corridor”? A case of Pashinyan socializing Aliyev’s demands?</li> </ul> <p>First let’s note how it doesn’t include any hint of Artsakh at all, it’s like it never existed.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/291-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-crossroads-of-peace-three-plus-three-iran-russia-defense-with-france-artsakh-refugees-shahramanyan/Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/291-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-crossroads-of-peace-three-plus-three-iran-russia-defense-with-france-artsakh-refugees-shahramanyan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Crossroads of Peace. 3+3=5 in Tehran. Relations with Russia. Defense Deal with France. Artsakh Status.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/291/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/290-levon-zourabian-armenian-national-congress-democracy-and-armenia-negotiations-with-azerbaijan-artsakh-global-conflicts/Sun, 29 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/290-levon-zourabian-armenian-national-congress-democracy-and-armenia-negotiations-with-azerbaijan-artsakh-global-conflicts/<h2 id="armenian-national-congress">Armenian National Congress</h2> <p>Mr Zourabian, You are the Vice President of the Armenian National Congress (ANC) <em>Հայ Ազգային Կոնգրես (ՀԱԿ)</em> party.</p> <p><strong>Question:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What does the ANC stand for today? What are its philosophies, ideologies and goals?</li> </ul> <p>As a young journalist Nikol Pashinyan was allied with the Armenian National Movement (HHSh) circles. As a beginning politician, Pashinyan was a member of the ANC alliance in parliament. Despite parting ways with your political force and forming the “Yelk Alliance,” Pashinyan always had a reputation as a “disciple” of Levon Ter-Petrosyan. Ter-Petrosyan was seen as Pahsinyan’s ideological mentor.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/290-levon-zourabian-armenian-national-congress-democracy-and-armenia-negotiations-with-azerbaijan-artsakh-global-conflicts/Sun, 29 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/290-levon-zourabian-armenian-national-congress-democracy-and-armenia-negotiations-with-azerbaijan-artsakh-global-conflicts/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian National Congress (ANC). Democracy and Armenia. Azerbaijan-Armenia Negotiations. Artsakh. Global Conflicts - Israel, Ukraine.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/290/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/289-aghasi-yenokian-armenian-news-media-azatutyun-fake-news-press-freedom-artsakh-global-conflicts/Sat, 28 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/289-aghasi-yenokian-armenian-news-media-azatutyun-fake-news-press-freedom-artsakh-global-conflicts/<h2 id="armenian-news--media">Armenian News &amp; Media</h2> <h3 id="rferl-azatutyun-radio">RFE/RL Azatutyun Radio</h3> <p>Mr. Yenokyan, you were the head of RFE/RL in Yerevan from 2008 to 2013. During those years, you saw a period of significant political and social transformation. For the first time, you had a generation of adults that was born in an independent Armenia. It was also a time of relative prosperity (compared to the dark and cold days of the 1990s. We also saw a transfer of power between Kocharyan and Sargsyan as well as the events of March 1, 2008.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/289-aghasi-yenokian-armenian-news-media-azatutyun-fake-news-press-freedom-artsakh-global-conflicts/Sat, 28 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/289-aghasi-yenokian-armenian-news-media-azatutyun-fake-news-press-freedom-artsakh-global-conflicts/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian News &amp; Media Space. RFE/RL Azatutyun in the Armenian Media Space. Fake News. Freedom of Press. Politics and Geopolitics of Armenia. Artsakh. Global Conflicts - Israel, Ukraine.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/289/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/288-yeghia-tashjian-artsakh-ethnic-cleansing-aftermath-israeli-palestinian-crisis-armenia/Sun, 22 Oct 2023 00:15:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/288-yeghia-tashjian-artsakh-ethnic-cleansing-aftermath-israeli-palestinian-crisis-armenia/<h2 id="subscribe-to-us-follow-us">Subscribe to us, Follow us!</h2> <p>Here are the links we mentioned at the start of our show today:</p> <ul> <li>On Youtube our channel is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/Groong/videos">@Groong</a>.</li> <li>On Twitter we’re <a href="https://twitter.com/groong">@Groong</a>.</li> <li>On Instagram and Threads are at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anngroong">@ANNGroong</a>.</li> </ul> <p>Our News Feeds are available on</p> <ul> <li>Facebook in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/groong?sorting_setting=CHRONOLOGICAL">our Facebook Group</a></li> <li>Our website at <a href="https://groong.org/news/">groong.org/news</a>.</li> </ul> <h3 id="all-of-our-links-in-our-linktree">All of our links in our <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">LinkTree</a>.</h3> <h2 id="aftermath-of-the-ethnic-cleansing-of-artsakh">Aftermath of the Ethnic Cleansing of Artsakh</h2> <h3 id="shahramanyan-meets-protesters">Shahramanyan Meets Protesters</h3> <p>During this past week the president of Artsakh, Samvel Shahramanyan, met with a large group of protesters in a <a href="https://168.am/2023/10/20/1946839.html">public meeting</a> to address the rising frustration of not only his refugee people in Armenia, but also Armenian citizens. People have a lot of questions, ranging from the social status of over 101,000 people who fled from Artsakh to Armenia, to their right of return, and concerns about the political future of the Artsakh Republic.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/288-yeghia-tashjian-artsakh-ethnic-cleansing-aftermath-israeli-palestinian-crisis-armenia/Sun, 22 Oct 2023 00:15:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/288-yeghia-tashjian-artsakh-ethnic-cleansing-aftermath-israeli-palestinian-crisis-armenia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Aftermath of the Ethnic Cleansing of Artsakh. Shahramanyan meets Protesters. “Rights &amp; Security”. Government-in-Exile. Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. Ripple Effects to the South Caucasus. Effects in the Middle East. Lebanon &amp; the Armenian Community.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/288/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/287-ehsan-movahedian-iran-new-world-order-relations-with-middle-east-armenia-azerbaijan-world-powers/Sat, 21 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/287-ehsan-movahedian-iran-new-world-order-relations-with-middle-east-armenia-azerbaijan-world-powers/<h2 id="global-multipolarity-shifts">Global Multipolarity Shifts</h2> <p>Many experts are calling the current period of turmoil and upheaval in the world, to be the ending of the post-Soviet era, and the world reordering from a unipolar one, back to a multipolar order, especially with the emergence of China and India and their increasingly assertive and dominant presence on the world stage.</p> <p><strong>Question:</strong></p> <ul> <li>How are the regional and global geopolitical shifts changing Iran’s relations with the world, as well as its region?</li> </ul> <p>A few months ago there was the surprise revelation of a thaw in Saudi-Iranian relations, under Chinese auspices. This caught most of the West by surprise.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/287-ehsan-movahedian-iran-new-world-order-relations-with-middle-east-armenia-azerbaijan-world-powers/Sat, 21 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/287-ehsan-movahedian-iran-new-world-order-relations-with-middle-east-armenia-azerbaijan-world-powers/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Iran in an Evolving World Order. Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. Armenian-Iranian Relations. Azerbaijani-Iranian Relations. Vision for a Better Future.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/287/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/286-benyamin-poghosyan-new-war-relations-with-russia-artsakh-conflict-negotiation-platforms/Tue, 17 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/286-benyamin-poghosyan-new-war-relations-with-russia-artsakh-conflict-negotiation-platforms/<h2 id="at-the-brink-of-new-war">At The Brink of New War?</h2> <p>There is a variety of troubling news, mostly in western sources, of an impending new war being planned by Azerbaijan. A risk that we cannot exclude and must consider.</p> <p>The major news pieces confirming this are:</p> <ul> <li>On Monday, October 9, Armenia’s ambassador to the EU, Tigran Balayan, <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32629979.html">warned</a> of an “imminent” attack by Azerbaijan unless the collective west takes action</li> <li>The on Friday (October 13), Politico.eu, citing two people familiar with the matter, informed that Blinken had <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/13/blinken-warned-lawmakers-azerbaijan-may-invade-armenia-in-coming-weeks-00121500">warned</a> a group of lawmakers that Azerbaijan may attack Armenia in the coming weeks in order to physically take the so-called “Zangezur corridor” <ul> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32639245.html">Azatutyun</a>, <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1121999.html">Armenpress</a> and <a href="https://168.am/2023/10/15/1944676.html">168.am</a> carried the State Department’s denial of this news. Initially the State Department gave a very <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1121967/">political response</a> to the query, but Politico stood by its reporting.</li> <li>When the Iranian Foreign Ministry was asked about the Politico report, they <a href="https://alphanews.am/en/azerbaijan-must-answer-this-question-irans-foreign-ministry-on-azerbaijans-possible-attack-on-armenia/">responded</a>: “‘Azerbaijan must answer this question”</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>Just today, Oct 17, in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugkGn_5P_mU&amp;t=951s">speech</a> in the European Parliament, Pashinyan made references to undisclosed “experts” that Azerbaijan does not recognize the territorial integrity of Armenia, which according to him consists of 29.8K sq. km., in order to prepare the grounds for military aggression.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/286-benyamin-poghosyan-new-war-relations-with-russia-artsakh-conflict-negotiation-platforms/Tue, 17 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/286-benyamin-poghosyan-new-war-relations-with-russia-artsakh-conflict-negotiation-platforms/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>At the Brink of a New War? Relations with Russia. Platform Shuffle: Brussels vs. Moscow. Update on Yerevan Mayor.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/286/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/285-aram-orbelyan-genocide-karabakh-pows-leader-refugees-legal-status-1991-alma-ata-declaration/Fri, 13 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/285-aram-orbelyan-genocide-karabakh-pows-leader-refugees-legal-status-1991-alma-ata-declaration/<h2 id="genocide--consequences">Genocide &amp; Consequences</h2> <p>By all accounts, what transpired in Artsakh at the end of September 2023 is a genocide, and in fact we Armenians would put this in the context of over 130 years of massacres and genocides and dispossessions of our people from our lands.</p> <p>The founding and lead ICC prosecutor, Luis Moreno Ocampo, <a href="https://luismorenoocampo.com/lmo_en/report-armenia/">spoke</a> on this issue, Genocide Watch <a href="https://www.genocidewatch.com/single-post/genocide-and-forced-deportation-nagorno-karabakh">spoke</a> on it, and the Lemkin Institute flat out <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1120877.html">blamed the US of bothsidism</a> and hypocrisy in not preventing the Genocide in Artsakh.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/285-aram-orbelyan-genocide-karabakh-pows-leader-refugees-legal-status-1991-alma-ata-declaration/Fri, 13 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/285-aram-orbelyan-genocide-karabakh-pows-leader-refugees-legal-status-1991-alma-ata-declaration/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Genocide &amp; Consequences. Legal Status of Former Artsakh Leadership. Artsakh Government in Exile.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/285/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/284-sergei-melkonian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-russian-iranian-perspectives/Mon, 09 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/284-sergei-melkonian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-russian-iranian-perspectives/<h2 id="israeli-palestinian-conflict-flares-up">Israeli Palestinian Conflict Flares Up</h2> <p>On Saturday, Hamas and Israel clashed on the border of the Gaza strip. At the time of our recording, over 800 Israelis are reportedly dead, with over 2000 injured. The Palestinians report over 350 dead and over 2300 injured. It was a very uncharacteristic war, where Palestinian guerillas achieved unexpected results in their offensives, although Israel is now striking back and recovering some of the lost positions and villages.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/284-sergei-melkonian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-russian-iranian-perspectives/Mon, 09 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/284-sergei-melkonian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-russian-iranian-perspectives/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Flares Up. The Future of Artsakh and Artsakhtsis. Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/284/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/283-benyamin-poghosyan-is-the-armenian-azerbaijani-conflict-over-granada-geopolitics-war-unfolding/Thu, 05 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/283-benyamin-poghosyan-is-the-armenian-azerbaijani-conflict-over-granada-geopolitics-war-unfolding/<h2 id="outstanding-causes-of-the-armenian-azerbaijani-conflict">Outstanding Causes of the Armenian Azerbaijani Conflict</h2> <p>The 2020 defeat in the second war in Artsakh culminated last week in the complete surrendering of Artsakh to Azerbaijan, by Pashinyan’s government. But is the conflict over? In this <strong>Conversations on Groong</strong> episode, we’ll take a look at the aftermath of the <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/International/nagorno-karabakh-enclave-emptied-entire-armenian-population-flees/story?id=103655356">great exodus of Armenians from their indigenous lands in Artsakh</a>, and what Armenia is facing geopolitically at this juncture.</p> <p>Even though we’ve been seeing the demise of the Artsakh Republic coming, ever since the defeat in the 44-day war in 2020, I guess most Armenians both in the republic, as well as the diaspora, had held out hope that it would not come to pass. You and many experts we talk to weekly on our show have been warning of this disastrous outcome for three years now.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/283-benyamin-poghosyan-is-the-armenian-azerbaijani-conflict-over-granada-geopolitics-war-unfolding/Thu, 05 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/283-benyamin-poghosyan-is-the-armenian-azerbaijani-conflict-over-granada-geopolitics-war-unfolding/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Outstanding Causes of the Conflict. Why did Aliyev Bail out of Granada? Could Azerbaijan Attack Armenia? How Might Events Unfold?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/283/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/282-arthur-martirosyan-game-of-alternatives-is-armenia-negotiating-effectively/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/282-arthur-martirosyan-game-of-alternatives-is-armenia-negotiating-effectively/<h2 id="overview">Overview</h2> <p>Today, October 3, 2023, the Civil Contract controlled Armenian National Assembly ratified the Rome Statute, the treaty that is the foundation for the International Criminal Court (ICC). This move is just one in a series of curious recent moves by the Armenian government that has angered Russia, considered a strategic ally to Armenia - perhaps for not too long after this.</p> <p>We have regularly covered the attempts by the Pashinyan regime to change the strategic foreign policy vector of Armenia, from one of a Russian satellite towards a Western-oriented one in a time when Russia is engaged in an existential war with the US and the West.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/282-arthur-martirosyan-game-of-alternatives-is-armenia-negotiating-effectively/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/282-arthur-martirosyan-game-of-alternatives-is-armenia-negotiating-effectively/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Game of Alternatives. How does it apply to Negotiations? Is Armenia Negotiating Effectively?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/282/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/281-arthur-martirosyan-artsakh-surrenders-armenia-granada-peace-treaty-karabakh-leaders-hostage/Mon, 02 Oct 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/281-arthur-martirosyan-artsakh-surrenders-armenia-granada-peace-treaty-karabakh-leaders-hostage/<h2 id="artsakh-surrenders-as-armenia-watches">Artsakh Surrenders As Armenia Watches</h2> <p>We have warned our listeners for three years now that Armenia under Pashinyan is headed down a disastrous roadmap and path of surrendering Artsakh, not protecting the ancestral lands of the indigenous Armenians of Artsakh, and leading to their depopulation.</p> <p>Pashinyan’s talk of the “rights and security” of Artsakhtsis is now clear to everyone: it was bullshit, he hasn’t raised a finger to defend them. The EU’s talk of “rights and security” was bullshit, we haven’t heard or seen anything from the hypocrite Charles Michel, and the same from the US.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/281-arthur-martirosyan-artsakh-surrenders-armenia-granada-peace-treaty-karabakh-leaders-hostage/Mon, 02 Oct 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/281-arthur-martirosyan-artsakh-surrenders-armenia-granada-peace-treaty-karabakh-leaders-hostage/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Artsakh Surrenders, Armenia Watches. What &ldquo;Peace Treaty&rdquo; in Granada? Arrested Artsakh Leaders Held Hostage.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/281/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/280-hrant-mikaelian-azerbaijan-attacks-artsakh-genocide-in-progress/Mon, 25 Sep 2023 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/280-hrant-mikaelian-azerbaijan-attacks-artsakh-genocide-in-progress/<h2 id="azerbaijan-attacks-artsakh">Azerbaijan Attacks Artsakh</h2> <h3 id="a-valiant-battle-an-unavoidable-capitulation">A Valiant Battle, An Unavoidable Capitulation</h3> <p>Azerbaijan attacked and invaded Artsakh on September 19th, starting around 1pm. Our guests have consistently highlighted the goal of the Aliyev regime to depopulate Artsakh through soft means, such as gerrymandering and investing financial resources around Artsakh. But it seems like Aliyev was in a hurry. For weeks now most analysts and observers had warned that Azerbaijan was preparing for a military aggression, so there it was.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/280-hrant-mikaelian-azerbaijan-attacks-artsakh-genocide-in-progress/Mon, 25 Sep 2023 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/280-hrant-mikaelian-azerbaijan-attacks-artsakh-genocide-in-progress/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijan Attacks Artsakh. Genocide in Progress.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/280/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/279-dziunik-aghajanian-un-security-council-artsakh-yerevan-elections/Wed, 13 Sep 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/279-dziunik-aghajanian-un-security-council-artsakh-yerevan-elections/<h2 id="armenias-diplomacy-at-the-un">Armenia’s Diplomacy at the UN</h2> <h3 id="unsc-meeting-on-august-16">UNSC Meeting On August 16</h3> <p>On August 16, at the request of Armenia, the UN Security Council held a hearing on the blockade in Artsakh. Various countries spoke out, some surpassing expectations and delivering pro-Armenian speeches and others (especially Brazil) delivering very disappointing speeches. However, perhaps more importantly, no resolutions were introduced, no speeches were made by the president of the security council, and so far, almost a month later, there has been no follow-through.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/279-dziunik-aghajanian-un-security-council-artsakh-yerevan-elections/Wed, 13 Sep 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/279-dziunik-aghajanian-un-security-council-artsakh-yerevan-elections/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia&rsquo;s Diplomacy at the UN. Artsakh Elections / Blockade. Yerevan Elections.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/279/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/278-benyamin-poghosyan-developments-in-artsakh-geopolitics-in-south-caucasus/Sun, 10 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/278-benyamin-poghosyan-developments-in-artsakh-geopolitics-in-south-caucasus/<h2 id="developments-in-artsakh">Developments in Artsakh</h2> <h3 id="election-of-new-president">Election of New President</h3> <p>Over the weekend the parliament in Artsakh <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32585399.html">elected</a> a new president to replace Arayik Harutyunyan, who resigned a week earlier. Samvel Shahramanyan is an ally of former president Bako Sahakyan and has led the Artsakh Security Council during Harutyunyan’s presidency.</p> <p>Shahramanyan stated that Artsakh must get status, and be connected via the Berdzor/Lachin corridor to Armenia.</p> <p><strong>Question:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What is to be expected from Shahramanyan’s presidency?</li> </ul> <h3 id="shahramanyans-potential">Shahramanyan’s Potential</h3> <p>Overall, the <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32574666.html">EU</a>, the <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32584208.html">US</a>, and the <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1119143.html">Russians</a>, have essentially endorsed Azerbaijan’s proposal, that aid begin to flow through the Aghdam/Akna road, and then a day later the Lachin Corridor be opened.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/278-benyamin-poghosyan-developments-in-artsakh-geopolitics-in-south-caucasus/Sun, 10 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/278-benyamin-poghosyan-developments-in-artsakh-geopolitics-in-south-caucasus/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Developments in Artsakh. Geopolitics in the South Caucasus.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/278/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/277-arthur-khachikyan-yerevan-elections-artsakh-president-resigns-geopolitical-developments/Sun, 03 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/277-arthur-khachikyan-yerevan-elections-artsakh-president-resigns-geopolitical-developments/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="yerevan-mayoral-elections">Yerevan Mayoral Elections</h2> <p>On our podcast <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/257">episode 258</a> on May 28, we covered the founding of a new movement called “Mayr Hayastan” (Mother Armenia), spearheaded by Andranik Tevanyan. Many well-known and respected names backed the movement, including yourself.</p> <p><strong>Questions</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>Why did you decide to support the movement?</li> </ul> <p>The parliamentary opposition finally decided to <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32565101.html">support</a> former MP Adranik Tevanyan’s run for Yerevan mayor. Tevanyan left the Hayastan Dashinq (Alliance) and formed his own party, or coalition, Mayr Hayastan (Mother Armenia) to run in the elections, because neither Hayastan Dashinq nor Pativ Unem had decided to run or support any candidates at the time.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/277-arthur-khachikyan-yerevan-elections-artsakh-president-resigns-geopolitical-developments/Sun, 03 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/277-arthur-khachikyan-yerevan-elections-artsakh-president-resigns-geopolitical-developments/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Yerevan Mayoral Elections. Artsakh Domestic Developments. Developments in Geopolitics and Negotiations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/277/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/275-tevan-poghosyan-unsc-meeting-artsakh-karabakh-internal-developments-yerevan-elections/Tue, 22 Aug 2023 00:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/275-tevan-poghosyan-unsc-meeting-artsakh-karabakh-internal-developments-yerevan-elections/<h2 id="un-security-council-meeting">UN Security Council Meeting</h2> <p>There are still many unanswered questions regarding the UNSC meeting this past week, where the Artsakh issue was discussed.</p> <p>The UNSC <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32548591.html">discussed</a> the situation in Artsakh, and there were many statements of support for reopening the Lachin-Berdzor corridor and demands that Azerbaijan should lift the blockade on Artsakh from UNSC members. None of that has happened, and Azerbaijan didn’t even bother to send its foreign minister to the meeting.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/275-tevan-poghosyan-unsc-meeting-artsakh-karabakh-internal-developments-yerevan-elections/Tue, 22 Aug 2023 00:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/275-tevan-poghosyan-unsc-meeting-artsakh-karabakh-internal-developments-yerevan-elections/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>UNSC Meeting on Artsakh. Artsakh Internal Developments. Yerevan Elections.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/275/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/274-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230819/Sun, 20 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/274-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230819/<h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>We hope you found our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update</a> helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/274-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230819/Sun, 20 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/274-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230819/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Latest Developments around Artsakh. Kidnapping of People at Checkpoints. Cases of Starvation, Miscarriages. UNSC Discussion of Artsakh. Lack of a Resolution and Follow-Through. Armenia’s Diplomatic Failures. New Artsakh parliament speaker David Ishkhanyan. Internet Stoppage, Food, Gas, Electricity Shortages. Continuing Azeri Aggression, troop movements and Buildup.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/274/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/273-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-status-yerevan-elections-mpg-poll-unsc-icc-ocampo-blockade-is-genocide/Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/273-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-status-yerevan-elections-mpg-poll-unsc-icc-ocampo-blockade-is-genocide/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="situation-in-artsakh">Situation in Artsakh</h2> <p>Let’s put this bluntly. A <a href="https://panarmenian.net/m/eng/news/309022">poll in Azerbaijan</a> shows that 67% of Azeris believe that the Artsakh situation will be resolved by the killing of Artsakh Armenians or their displacement. It’s no surprise therefore that over 94% of Armenians polled in July say that Artsakh can not be left as part of Azerbaijan! We will talk more about the polls later in our show.</p> <h3 id="former-icc-judge-says-its-genocide">Former ICC Judge Says It’s Genocide</h3> <p>Last week a founding ICC prosecutor, Luis Moreno Ocampo, issued an <a href="https://luismorenoocampo.com/lmo_en/report-armenia/?fbclid=IwAR0shvGGkLtLLmHFwJOrXWHxNbYSrNSo7LbTR9OKx0uNkyhR61kXAHjVbs4">expert opinion</a> in response to Artsakh president Arayik Harutyunyan’s <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1116476.html">request </a>and concluded that the Azerbaijani blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh does in fact constitute Genocide.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/273-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-status-yerevan-elections-mpg-poll-unsc-icc-ocampo-blockade-is-genocide/Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/273-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-status-yerevan-elections-mpg-poll-unsc-icc-ocampo-blockade-is-genocide/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Situation in Artsakh. Yerevan Elections Heating Up. July MPG Survey Outtakes. August MPG Survey Outtakes. Baku Poll. Thoughts on the Economy.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/273/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/271-yeghia-tashjian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-azerbaijani-propaganda-situation-in-artsakh/Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:15:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/271-yeghia-tashjian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-azerbaijani-propaganda-situation-in-artsakh/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations">Armenia Azerbaijan Negotiations</h2> <p>The major news on the negotiations front last week was the meeting between Ararat Mirzoyan and Jeyhun Bairamov that took place under the auspices of mediation by the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.</p> <h3 id="russian-priorities">Russian Priorities</h3> <p>Summarizing the developments, over the course of July the total blockade and isolation of Artsakh has continued, and there is now talk about <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32512262.html">famine</a> and a pretty dire situation.</p> <p>All the major (and also not so major) international players have called on Azerbaijan to open the Lachin/Berdzor corridor: the US, the EU, Russia, France, the UK, Austria and so on. To no avail, of course, because Azerbaijan doesn’t need to listen to these calls when, from the other side of their mouths, they tell Azerbaijan that there will be no consequences or repercussions to its actions.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/271-yeghia-tashjian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-azerbaijani-propaganda-situation-in-artsakh/Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:15:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/271-yeghia-tashjian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-azerbaijani-propaganda-situation-in-artsakh/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations. Azerbaijani Propaganda in Shushi. Situation in Artsakh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/271/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/270-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230719/Thu, 20 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/270-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230719/<h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>We hope you found our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update</a> helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/270-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230719/Thu, 20 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/270-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230719/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Continuing Azeri Aggression. Daily shootings, mortar fire. Constant shooting at farmers in the fields. Level of hardship. Level of determination. Azerbaijan claims Armenians can use road through Aghdam. Chales Michel welcomes this!?!?!?!? “National Movement” Launched on July 14, 2023. What is the message to the world, and goals? HayaQve (.am).</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/270/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/269-hrant-mikaelian-armenia-azerbaijan-washington-negotiations-economy-yervan-mayor-elections-war-dead-hayaqve/Mon, 17 Jul 2023 18:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/269-hrant-mikaelian-armenia-azerbaijan-washington-negotiations-economy-yervan-mayor-elections-war-dead-hayaqve/<h2 id="artsakh-and-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations">Artsakh and Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations</h2> <h3 id="surprise-brussels-meeting-humiliating-announcement-by-charles-michel">Surprise Brussels Meeting; “Humiliating” Announcement by Charles Michel</h3> <p>Earlier this week, several days after Aliyev unexpectedly praised Pashinyan, saying that he’s happy with everything that Pashinyan has publicly declared and now he just needs to put all that on paper, we got a surprise announcement that Aliyev and Pashinyan would meet in Brussels on July 15, almost a week earlier than planned earlier. This is all while Artsakh remains completely blockaded.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/269-hrant-mikaelian-armenia-azerbaijan-washington-negotiations-economy-yervan-mayor-elections-war-dead-hayaqve/Mon, 17 Jul 2023 18:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/269-hrant-mikaelian-armenia-azerbaijan-washington-negotiations-economy-yervan-mayor-elections-war-dead-hayaqve/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Latest on Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations. Economic State in Armenia. September Yerevan Mayoral Elections. Estimating the War Dead. Hayaqve [.am].</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/269/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/268-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-us-armenian-nsc-advisors-meet-mpg-poll-results/Mon, 10 Jul 2023 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/268-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-us-armenian-nsc-advisors-meet-mpg-poll-results/<h2 id="armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations">Armenia Azerbaijan Negotiations</h2> <p>There was hardly any progress reported by any of the sides two weeks ago in DC. Since then we’ve learned that a month ago in June, Artsakh authorities <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32492198.html">rejected</a> a US invitation to hold Baku-Stepanakert dialog in Washington.</p> <p>The US agenda for this so-called dialog was evident in ambassador Kristina Kvien’s comments on Armenian Public TV, that Artsakhtsis could live under Azeri rule. Stepanakert <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32492079.html">criticized</a> her for “appeasing the oppressor” and “predetermining the outcome” of the talks. Kvien tried to explain her words, but a lot of damage has been done to her political capital.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/268-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-us-armenian-nsc-advisors-meet-mpg-poll-results/Mon, 10 Jul 2023 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/268-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-us-armenian-nsc-advisors-meet-mpg-poll-results/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia Azerbaijan Negotiations. US, Armenian NSC Advisors Meet. New MPG Poll. Haya-Qve [.am].</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/268/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/267-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230707/Fri, 07 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/267-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230707/<h2 id="catastrophic-situation-in-artsakh">Catastrophic Situation in Artsakh</h2> <p>Artsakh HR Ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan says that the situation has become “catastrophic”.</p> <ul> <li>Stores running out of supplies (including cigarettes)</li> <li>“Since June 15, we’ve had 0 tons of humanitarian goods”</li> <li>“Only ICRC is able to transport a small number of medical patients and bring in limited medical supplies”</li> <li>“Threat of starvation is higher now” than any other time during the 6 month blockade.</li> <li>Starvation may come in 10 days</li> </ul> <p>Maria Zakharova <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1114829.html">said</a> “The humanitarian situation in [Nagorno-Karabakh] is deteriorating. Regrettably we have to note that due to the suspension of supplies the population could be left without food, other essential products and medication.” She called on Azerbaijan to lift the blockade. <br> US Ambassador to Armenia Kristina Kvien says the US “believes and hopes” that people in Artsakh can live in Azerbaijan with their security and rights observed. Stepanakert did not take her comments quietly and <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32490708.html">responded</a> to her that Artsakh remains on a course to self-determination.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/267-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230707/Fri, 07 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/267-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230707/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Catastrophic Situation in Artsakh - Gegham Stepanyan. Zakharova Confirms Conditions, Calls on Azerbaijan to Drop Blockade. Hakari video fiasco - Pashinyan propaganda? Azeri preconditions to Baku-Stepanakert talks. ANCA supported NDAA resolutions in US Congress.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/267/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/266-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-continue-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh-self-determination-hayaqve/Tue, 04 Jul 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/266-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-continue-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh-self-determination-hayaqve/<h2 id="armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-continue-in-dc">Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue in DC</h2> <p>In the past month, Azerbaijan has fired on Armenian and Artsakh border positions and villages almost daily, and in the past couple of weeks they installed <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1113990.html">concrete barriers</a> on their so-called checkpoint on the Lachin/Berdzor corridor, to block all connection between the two Armenian states. Additionally, Azerbaijan’s shootings killed 4 Artsakh servicemen a week ago.</p> <p>As usual, <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32469536.html">Russia</a> and <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32472764.html">the west</a> made some toothless statements and <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32472394.html">urged</a> Azerbaijan to reopen the corridor, and as usual Azerbaijan simply ignored them.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/266-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-continue-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh-self-determination-hayaqve/Tue, 04 Jul 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/266-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-continue-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh-self-determination-hayaqve/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue. Negotiations in DC: chances of progress. Vartan Oskanian on negotiations. Rights and Security. Self-Determination for Artsakh. Border Demarcation. No Unblocking or Guarantees. Hayaqve.am. Rants.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/266/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/264-tevan-poghosyan-barriers-on-hakari-erdogan-in-azerbaijan-lukashenko-at-csto-wagner-defused-pashinyan-testimony-hayaqve/Tue, 27 Jun 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/264-tevan-poghosyan-barriers-on-hakari-erdogan-in-azerbaijan-lukashenko-at-csto-wagner-defused-pashinyan-testimony-hayaqve/<h2 id="concrete-barricades-on-kashatagh-corridor">Concrete Barricades on Kashatagh Corridor</h2> <p>The Kashatagh/Lachin corridor, the only way to send supplies between Armenia and Artsakh, was sealed tight by Azerbaijan after an incident on the Hakari bridge on June 15. For more than 12 days now, Artsakh remains completely isolated, even Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh can’t bring in supplies. Over the last few days, we received reports that now some food is being flown in on Russian helicopters, but it is clear that this can&rsquo;t be at the June 15 levels, let alone December 11, 2022 levels.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/264-tevan-poghosyan-barriers-on-hakari-erdogan-in-azerbaijan-lukashenko-at-csto-wagner-defused-pashinyan-testimony-hayaqve/Tue, 27 Jun 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/264-tevan-poghosyan-barriers-on-hakari-erdogan-in-azerbaijan-lukashenko-at-csto-wagner-defused-pashinyan-testimony-hayaqve/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Concrete Barriers On Hakari Bridge. Erdogan visit to Azerbaijan. Lukashenko at the CSTO. Putin Defuses Wagnerian Opera. Pashinyan 44-Day War Testimony in Parliament. HayaQve [.am].</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/264/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/263-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230615/Thu, 15 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/263-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230615/<h2 id="azerbaijan-blocks-corridor-checkpoint-after-shootings">Azerbaijan Blocks Corridor Checkpoint after Shootings</h2> <p>Today Azerbaijan <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1113331.html">banned</a> all humanitarian passenger and cargo through the Lachin Corridor, following shootings near the Hakari bridge that injured soldiers on both sides.</p> <p><strong>Question:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What is the status?</li> </ul> <h2 id="has-artsakh-returned-to-the-negotiation-table">Has Artsakh “returned to the negotiation table”?</h2> <p>Pashinyan’s government is touting its Artsakh policy, that they have returned Artsakh to the negotiations table.</p> <p><strong>Question:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Is there any evidence in Stepanakert that Nagorno Karabakh is at the table?</li> </ul> <h2 id="international-actions-viewed-from-stepanakert">International actions viewed from Stepanakert</h2> <p>The European parliament held a <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1113068.html">discussion</a> about the blockade. In the US, Rep. Adam Schiff <a href="https://asbarez.com/schiff-urges-biden-to-defend-democracy-and-human-rights-in-armenia-and-artsakh/">wrote</a> to Biden, urging him to act quickly to help Artsakh.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/263-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230615/Thu, 15 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/263-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230615/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijan Blocks Lachin/Berdzor Corridor after Shootings near Hakari bridge. Has Artsakh “returned to the negotiation table”? International actions viewed from Stepanakert. Noting the half-year mark of the blockade. Artsakh Ombuds Report summary.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/263/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/262-erdogan-cabinet-azerbaijan-postpones--economy-pashinyan-rating/Tue, 13 Jun 2023 18:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/262-erdogan-cabinet-azerbaijan-postpones--economy-pashinyan-rating/<h1 id="turkish-cabinet-appointments">Turkish Cabinet Appointments</h1> <p>The elections in Turkey are over. We’re looking to do a deeper dive into this topic with a turkologist, but Hrant, since it&rsquo;s fresh on our mind…</p> <p>Erdogan’s first visit will be to Azerbaijan btw.</p> <ul> <li>Turkey <ul> <li><a href="https://www.dailysabah.com/opinion/columns/hakan-fidan-the-chief-diplomat-of-turkiye">Hakan Fidan</a>, former MIT chief, appointed FM <ul> <li>Used the Ottoman <a href="https://twitter.com/amberinzaman/status/1665639453598142464/history">term</a> for foreign ministry in his speech Harciye versus Dışişleri</li> <li>Is being groomed as replacement for Erdogan</li> </ul> </li> <li>Ibrahim Kalin, former Erdogan spox, appointed intel chief <ul> <li>I believe his thesis was on relations with Armenia</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Question</strong>:</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/262-erdogan-cabinet-azerbaijan-postpones--economy-pashinyan-rating/Tue, 13 Jun 2023 18:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/262-erdogan-cabinet-azerbaijan-postpones--economy-pashinyan-rating/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Erdogan Reshuffles Cabinet, First Visit to Baku. Latest Developments in Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations, Baku Postpones. Economic Developments, More Subsidies to IT Sector. MPG Poll: Pashinyan&rsquo;s Rating is Falling.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/262/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/260-sergei-melkonian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-chisinau-kishinev-moscow-erdogan-inauguration-israel-president-in-baku/Mon, 05 Jun 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/260-sergei-melkonian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-chisinau-kishinev-moscow-erdogan-inauguration-israel-president-in-baku/<h2 id="you-say-chisinau-i-say-kishinev">You say Chisinau, I say Kishinev</h2> <p>May was a very busy month in the continuing Armenian-Azerbaijani so-called “peace” negotiations, and the saga continues so far in June. This past week started with a meeting on June 1st with a <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1112356.html">5-way summit</a> between Pashinyan, Aliyev, and Chancellor Olaf Scholtz of Germany, and presidents Macron and Michel of France and the EU.</p> <p>The main topics on the table were:</p> <ol> <li>Unblocking of regional transport and economic infrastructures</li> <li>Border delimitation and security between the two countries</li> <li>Normalization of relations between the two countries</li> <li>Rights and security of the people of Nagorno Karabakh</li> <li>POWs, missing persons and “other humanitarian” issues</li> </ol> <p>Pres. Michel said afterwards that the meeting was a good prep for another upcoming meeting on July 21.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/260-sergei-melkonian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-chisinau-kishinev-moscow-erdogan-inauguration-israel-president-in-baku/Mon, 05 Jun 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/260-sergei-melkonian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-chisinau-kishinev-moscow-erdogan-inauguration-israel-president-in-baku/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations Continue. You say Chisinau, I say Kishinev. Deputy PMs Meet in Moscow. Israeli President Visits Azerbaijan. Pashinyan Attends Erdogan’s Inauguration. Armenia-Russia Relations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/260/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/259-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230602/Fri, 02 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/259-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230602/<h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>We hope you found our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update</a> helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/259-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230602/Fri, 02 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/259-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230602/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Current Living and Humanitarian Conditions. Morale after Pashinyan’s Recognition of Artsakh in Azerbaijan. How is Artsakh Responding to Aliyev’s Amnesty Threats? Moral of the Artsakhtsi Population. About Artsakh Men Being Denied Transit through Azeri Checkpoints. Have the Russian Peacekeepers Changed Under Lentsov? All Parties are in Breach of the November 2020 Trilateral Ceasefire Agreement.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/259/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/258-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-diplomacy-foreign-policy-pashinyan-agenda-mother-armenia/Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:16:54 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/258-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-diplomacy-foreign-policy-pashinyan-agenda-mother-armenia/<h2 id="diplomatic-career">Diplomatic Career</h2> <p>Can you tell us a little about how you entered the career of a diplomat and where your career has taken you?</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>In over 30 years with the MFA, who were the most influential mentors and diplomats for you, and who impressed you the most?</li> <li>Genocide Policy: Zareh Sinanian.</li> <li>In July 2021, we heard that you were <a href="https://armlur.am/1122340/">recalled</a> from your ambassadorship to Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Why did you leave the MFA? Was it voluntary or were you relieved?</li> </ul> <h2 id="velvet-2018">Velvet 2018</h2> <p>Let’s look back to May of 2018, when Nikol Pashinyan was sworn in as Prime Minister of Armenia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/258-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-diplomacy-foreign-policy-pashinyan-agenda-mother-armenia/Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:16:54 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/258-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-diplomacy-foreign-policy-pashinyan-agenda-mother-armenia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Intro to Ms Aghajanian. Career path, Mentors, Influencers. Parting ways with the MFA. How did Armenia Resist Turkish Pressure prior to 2018. Impressions of 2018 events. On Pashinyan’s Policies to Surrender Artsakh. Letter Planning the Surrender. Messaging Aliyev to begin Instigations. Changing Security Doctrine. The Myth of Western Security Guarantees. Pashinyan’s Fiction re Alma Ata and Madrid Principles. On Armenia’s National Interests. On Armenian Foreign Policy Vectors. Can Armenia get Closer to Iran? Can “Normalization” with Turkey work? Mother Armenia / Մայր Հայաստան Movement Announced.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/257-arthur-khachikyan-may-28-mother-armenia-azerbaijan-threatens-pashinyan-concedes-erdogan-reelected-goodbye-csto-hello-nato/Mon, 29 May 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/257-arthur-khachikyan-may-28-mother-armenia-azerbaijan-threatens-pashinyan-concedes-erdogan-reelected-goodbye-csto-hello-nato/<h2 id="mother-armenia-mayr-hayastan-movement">Mother Armenia (Mayr Hayastan) Movement</h2> <p>Arthur, two days ago, on May 28th, we saw you you and a number of other activists <a href="https://youtu.be/18ab11-HktA">join forces</a> to announce the founding on a <a href="https://groong.org/news/msg126101.html">new movement</a> called Mother Armenia - Մայր Հայաստան.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What is your role in the group and can you give us a brief intro of the organization?</li> <li>The declaration of your movement occurred on the symbolic date of May 28. What does this date mean to you?</li> <li>What are the political goals of Mayr Hayastan?</li> <li>The movement is advertised as above the political spectrum. Have you received any support from existing opposition parties?</li> <li>How is it different from the Homeland Salvation movement?</li> <li>There are a number of other movements, such as the Miasin, Hamakhmbum, etc… Do we need so many movements? What will you do that others haven’t?</li> <li>What will be some of your activities? Will it be in the form of street protests like other movements have attempted? If so, what will guarantee your success?</li> <li>There’s this perception that those demanding Nikol’s resignation are working against a ticking time bomb. Once a deal is signed, no matter who comes, wouldn’t it be hard to undo all of the damage?</li> </ul> <h2 id="aliyev-threatens-pashinyan-concedes">Aliyev Threatens, Pashinyan Concedes</h2> <p>Early in May Aliyev demanded that Pashinyan must say “Artsakh is Azerbaijan”.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/257-arthur-khachikyan-may-28-mother-armenia-azerbaijan-threatens-pashinyan-concedes-erdogan-reelected-goodbye-csto-hello-nato/Mon, 29 May 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/257-arthur-khachikyan-may-28-mother-armenia-azerbaijan-threatens-pashinyan-concedes-erdogan-reelected-goodbye-csto-hello-nato/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia celebrates May 28. A new political movement, Mother Armenia, was announced. Aliyev Threatens, Pashinyan Concedes. Erdogan Reelected President in Turkey. Goodbye CSTO, Hello NATO?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/257/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/256-tevan-poghosyan-negotiations-carousel-meghri-railway-rasht-astara-instc-kornidzor-rally/Mon, 22 May 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/256-tevan-poghosyan-negotiations-carousel-meghri-railway-rasht-astara-instc-kornidzor-rally/<h2 id="accelerated-negotiations">Accelerated Negotiations</h2> <p>After several weeks of accelerated negotiations in various capitals of the world (some at war with each other), Nikol Pashinyan finally said what Aliyev wanted him to say.</p> <p>Pashinyan said that he recognizes Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan.</p> <p>After re-affirming that Azerbaijan is conducting a policy of ethnic cleansing and genocide in Artaskh, he said with a straight face that Armenia is moving closer to signing a so-called “peace deal” that hands away Artsakh and the so-called enclaves. Pashinyan said it was unlikely that the document would be signed next week in Moscow but did not exclude that it could be signed in Kishinev on June 1 or in Belgium in July.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/256-tevan-poghosyan-negotiations-carousel-meghri-railway-rasht-astara-instc-kornidzor-rally/Mon, 22 May 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/256-tevan-poghosyan-negotiations-carousel-meghri-railway-rasht-astara-instc-kornidzor-rally/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Accelerated Negotiations. Negotiations Carousel. Meghri Railway. Russia Finances Rasht-Astara. Rallies in Artsakh and Kornidzor. Artsakh Domestic Politics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/256/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/255-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-aliyev-michel-meet-in-brussels-courts-vs-armenian-media-168-davit-sargsyan/Mon, 15 May 2023 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/255-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-aliyev-michel-meet-in-brussels-courts-vs-armenian-media-168-davit-sargsyan/<h2 id="in-brussels-pashinyan-recognizes-artsakh-as-azerbaijan">In Brussels Pashinyan Recognizes Artsakh as Azerbaijan?</h2> <p>This week we saw more fighting in Armenia resulting in six wounded and a death, shortly before an unfazed Pashinyan attended the summit in Brussels with Aliyev and Charles Michel and apparently declared recognition of an Azerbaijan with 86,600 sq kms, which many analysts say includes Artsakh.</p> <p>Former foreign minister Vardan Oskanian reacted by <a href="https://www.civilnet.am/news/700066/%D6%83%D5%A1%D5%B7%D5%AB%D5%B6%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%AB-%D5%B1%D5%A5%D5%BC%D6%84%D5%A8-%D5%BA%D5%A5%D5%BF%D6%84-%D5%A7-%D5%A2%D5%BC%D5%B6%D5%A5%D5%AC-%D5%B0%D5%A5%D5%B6%D6%81-%D5%B0%D5%AB%D5%B4%D5%A1-%D5%B0%D5%A5%D5%BF%D5%B8-%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%B7-%D5%AF%D5%AC%D5%AB%D5%B6%D5%AB%E2%80%A4-%D5%BE%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A4%D5%A1%D5%B6-%D6%85%D5%BD%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%B6/">saying</a> that Pashinyan&rsquo;s &ldquo;hand must be restrained now, it will be too late tomorrow&rdquo;. Meanwhile, former foreign minister of Artsakh David Babayan <a href="https://www.aysor.am/am/news/2023/05/15/%D5%A2%D5%A1%D5%A2%D5%A1%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%B6/2094215">called</a> the announcement out of Brussels as disgusting, putrid, and criminal.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/255-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-aliyev-michel-meet-in-brussels-courts-vs-armenian-media-168-davit-sargsyan/Mon, 15 May 2023 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/255-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-aliyev-michel-meet-in-brussels-courts-vs-armenian-media-168-davit-sargsyan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Pashinyan, Aliyev, Michel Meet in Brussels. Azerbaijan Attacks Sotk. Turkish Presidential Elections.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/255/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/254-ruben-melikyan-tigran-avinyan-sues-freezes-assets-168-zham-davit-sargsyan-20230513/Sat, 13 May 2023 00:16:54 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/254-ruben-melikyan-tigran-avinyan-sues-freezes-assets-168-zham-davit-sargsyan-20230513/<h2 id="avinyan-suit-freezes-assets-of-newspaper--journalist">Avinyan Suit Freezes Assets of Newspaper &amp; Journalist</h2> <p>In Tigran Avinyan’s civil <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32409384.html">court case</a> against <a href="https://168.am/">168.am</a> and journalist <a href="https://www.facebook.com/davit.sargsyan">Davit Sargsyan</a>, the judge has decided to freeze $46,000 of the defendants’ assets, an <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32409312.html">unprecedented</a> development according to journalist unions.</p> <p>Avinyan alleges that the media outlet slandered him by publishing a <a href="https://youtu.be/696vWAmCtjk">video</a> that says that he is one of a number of the newly enriched, in Pashinyan’s close circle of ruling party cronies.</p> <p>In this segment we’re not so much interested in the allegations either in the video or in the suit, but as a media outlet ourselves we’re interested and concerned about the effect of such legal action, and the resulting court response on the media in Armenia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/254-ruben-melikyan-tigran-avinyan-sues-freezes-assets-168-zham-davit-sargsyan-20230513/Sat, 13 May 2023 00:16:54 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/254-ruben-melikyan-tigran-avinyan-sues-freezes-assets-168-zham-davit-sargsyan-20230513/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Yerevan court freezes assets of 168.am and journalist Davit Sargsyan in Tigran Avinyan&rsquo;s defamation suit. Ruben Melikyan discusses pre-verdict punitive measures, judicial pressure, free speech concerns, and the role of international NGOs and media funding in Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/254/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/253-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230511/Thu, 11 May 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/253-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230511/<h1 id="sarsang-reservoir-depleting">Sarsang Reservoir Depleting</h1> <p><p class="md__image"> <img src="https://podcasts.groong.org/img/episode/253/Sarsang-from-Azatutyun-20230508.webp" alt="Sarsang Reservoir from Jan 2023 to April 2023" title="Sarsang Reservoir from Jan 2023 to April 2023" class="img-fluid" /> </p> From <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32401755.html">Azatutyun.am</a></p> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>We hope you found our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update</a> helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/253-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230511/Thu, 11 May 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/253-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230511/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>May 11 Azeri attacks on Sotk, Armenia. Azerbaijan blocking ICRC convoys. Sarsang reservoir depleting. Rumors of a second pseudo-eco activist effort. Lentsov in Baku - what results? Artsakh Ombuds &amp; FM activities. Matthew Bryza bemoans Armenian Opp &amp; diaspora. US Senate FR committee calls for sanctions. May 9 in Artsakh. Armenians, Artsakh and the victory in WW2.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/253/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/252-hrant-mikaelian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-iri-poll-armenia-census-2022/Tue, 09 May 2023 00:01:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/252-hrant-mikaelian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-iri-poll-armenia-census-2022/<h2 id="may-9-the-triple-holiday">May 9: The “Triple Holiday”</h2> <p>Today is May 9, which in Armenia is a major holiday called the triple-holiday, combining Victory Day (the allied victory in WWII), the establishment of the self-defense forces of Artsakh (1992), and the day of liberation of Shushi (also in 1992). Obviously, in past times it was a much more joyous occasion.</p> <p>We know there were events both in Armenia and Artsakh.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What does it mean to have the May 9 holiday in the situation that Armenia is in today? Is it really a celebration or more of a commemoration?</li> <li>What are the differences in the ways that Artsakh and Armenia observe this holiday now?</li> </ul> <h2 id="armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-continue">Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations Continue</h2> <p>Undoubtedly the big story of this past week was the lightning-fast coordinated meeting of the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in DC, under the auspices of the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. The results vary depending on who you ask.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/252-hrant-mikaelian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-iri-poll-armenia-census-2022/Tue, 09 May 2023 00:01:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/252-hrant-mikaelian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-iri-poll-armenia-census-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue. Latest IRI Armenia Poll Results. Armenian Census 2022 - Preliminary Results.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/252/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/251-arthur-khachikyan-lachin-corridor-blocked-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-drug-use-epidemic/Mon, 01 May 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/251-arthur-khachikyan-lachin-corridor-blocked-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-drug-use-epidemic/<h2 id="berdzor-corridor-officially-blocked">Berdzor Corridor Officially Blocked</h2> <p>Since losing the 44-day war, the Pashinyan administration has framed the necessity to sign the humiliating Nov. 9/10 ceasefire agreement as our only way to keep the remaining 25% of Artsakh as Armenian and to get our POWs back. Almost three years later, our POWs are still in Baku, and meanwhile, the last remaining pro-Armenian point in the statement, the free passage of people and goods through the Lachin corridor, seems to be gone with the latest developments from last week.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/251-arthur-khachikyan-lachin-corridor-blocked-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-drug-use-epidemic/Mon, 01 May 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/251-arthur-khachikyan-lachin-corridor-blocked-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-drug-use-epidemic/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijan Officially Blocks Berdzor/Lachin Corridor. Update on Armenian-Azeri Negotiations. Drug Use Epidemic in Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/251/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/250-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230428/Fri, 28 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/250-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230428/<h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>We hope you found our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update</a> helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/250-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230428/Fri, 28 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/250-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230428/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Lachin/Berdzor Corridor Blocked on April 23. So-called “Eco-activists” Have Left. Armenian Rejects Discussions on Corridor Conditions. Does the Government have a plan? Lentsov Replaces Volkov. Artsakh Farmers Fired Upon - Again. Would Artsakhtsis accept Azerbaijani Citizenship?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/250/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/249-arthur-martirosyan-armenian-genocide-anniversary-artsakh-in-stranglehold-israel-azerbaijan/Tue, 25 Apr 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/249-arthur-martirosyan-armenian-genocide-anniversary-artsakh-in-stranglehold-israel-azerbaijan/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="108th-anniversary">108th Anniversary</h2> <p>Talk about statements around the world and the surreal sense that while countries are condemning a genocide of 100+ years ago, another one is occuring right now.</p> <p>Then talk about Pashinyan&rsquo;s reference to Aragats (meaning that we don&rsquo;t appreciate what we have and we yearn for Ararat).</p> <p>Questions:</p> <ul> <li>From a negotiating perspective why is it important to push genocide recognition?</li> </ul> <h2 id="azerbaijan-strangles-artsakh">Azerbaijan strangles Artsakh</h2> <h3 id="artsakh-strangled">Artsakh Strangled</h3> <p>After weeks of fears of yet another escalation in the blockade of Artsakh, on Saturday, on the eve of the April 24th Armenian Genocide commemoration, Azerbaijan officially made the move. They transported equipment and manpower to the bridge on the Hagari river that is the only way in and out of Artsakh in order to build a checkpoint, something that is in direct contravention of the November 9/10, 2020, statement which guarantees free passage across the Berdzor/Lachin corridor.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/249-arthur-martirosyan-armenian-genocide-anniversary-artsakh-in-stranglehold-israel-azerbaijan/Tue, 25 Apr 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/249-arthur-martirosyan-armenian-genocide-anniversary-artsakh-in-stranglehold-israel-azerbaijan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian Genocide: 108 Anniversary. Azerbaijan Strangles Artsakh. Artsakh Strangled. International Community. Pashinyan’s Parliament Speech. Madrid Principles. Aliyev Continues Threats, Ultimatum to Artsakh Armenians. What Can Diaspora Do? Israel - Azerbaijan cooperation against Iran? Rants.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/249/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/248-anna-kostanyan-hr-ombudswoman-anahit-manasyan-azeri-attacks-infiltrations-in-armenia-yerevan-mayor-elections/Sun, 16 Apr 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/248-anna-kostanyan-hr-ombudswoman-anahit-manasyan-azeri-attacks-infiltrations-in-armenia-yerevan-mayor-elections/<h2 id="introduction-to-anna-kostanyan">Introduction to Anna Kostanyan</h2> <p>Ms. Kostanyan, since this is your first time on our show let us take a couple of minutes to introduce you to our listeners.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What drew you to politics? <ul> <li>What are your goals in politics? What do you hope to achieve, both for yourself as well as for our country?</li> </ul> </li> <li>What is your current relationship with Bright Armenia?</li> <li>You are a member of the board of the Consolidation (“Hamakhmbum”) movement. What is this organization, and what is its relationship 5165?</li> </ul> <h2 id="anahit-manasyan-selected-hr-ombudswoman">Anahit Manasyan Selected HR Ombudswoman</h2> <p>Three months after the resignation of Kristine Grigoryan, the Civil Contract party installed a <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1108478.html">new HR Ombudswoman</a>: former deputy prosecutor Anahit Manasyan. Grigoryan resigned in January 2023 and legally, the government had 1 month to appoint a new candidate, but that went delinquent until earlier this month when they finally got around to it.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/248-anna-kostanyan-hr-ombudswoman-anahit-manasyan-azeri-attacks-infiltrations-in-armenia-yerevan-mayor-elections/Sun, 16 Apr 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/248-anna-kostanyan-hr-ombudswoman-anahit-manasyan-azeri-attacks-infiltrations-in-armenia-yerevan-mayor-elections/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Intro to Anna Kostanyan and Hamakhmbum (Consolidation) Movement. New HR Ombudswoman Anahit Manasyan. Azeri Attacks and Infiltrations into Armenia. Yerevan Mayor-less Until End of 2023 Elections.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/248/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/247-alison-tahmizian-meuse-aknandakan-eye-for-an-eye-tegh-ardanish-flag-raising-berdzor-aghavno/Fri, 14 Apr 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/247-alison-tahmizian-meuse-aknandakan-eye-for-an-eye-tegh-ardanish-flag-raising-berdzor-aghavno/<h2 id="raising-flags-alison-on-recent-events-in-tegh-and-across-armenia">Raising Flags: Alison on Recent Events in Tegh and Across Armenia</h2> <h3 id="aghavno--berdzor">Aghavno / Berdzor</h3> <p>In August 2022, you were with a group of friends in Aghavno and called for followers to join you in an attempt to prevent the handover of Berdzor/Aghavno to Azerbaijan.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Are these events, Berdzor, Aghavno, Jermuk, now Tegh, a consequence of policies of the Armenian government?</li> </ul> <h3 id="april-11-azeri-aggression-near-tegh">April 11 Azeri Aggression Near Tegh</h3> <p>The unprovoked Azeri shootings of April 11 killed 4 of our soldiers near Tegh village. A week ago <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/245">we talked with Naira Melikyan</a>, mother of fallen soldier Hayk Melikyan, who tried to visit this region with other concerned parents and activists, and she was prevented by Armenian border guards, who claimed to be stopping her “for her own safety”.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/247-alison-tahmizian-meuse-aknandakan-eye-for-an-eye-tegh-ardanish-flag-raising-berdzor-aghavno/Fri, 14 Apr 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/247-alison-tahmizian-meuse-aknandakan-eye-for-an-eye-tegh-ardanish-flag-raising-berdzor-aghavno/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Aghavno / Berdzor. April 11 Azeri Aggression Near Tegh. Raising Flags. Azeri Infiltrations into Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/247/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/246-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230412/Wed, 12 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/246-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230412/<h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>We hope you found our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update</a> helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/246-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230412/Wed, 12 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/246-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230412/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>April 11 Azeri Aggression near Tegh. What Agency does Artsakh have in keeping links open? Bothsidism of EU and Russia in the face of Azeri Aggression. Who is to Blame for the Continuing Losses in Armenian Life? Reaction of the Armenian Government. About the EU Mission and its Role and Effectiveness. Stepanakert invites Baku to talks. Artsakh Farmers Urged to work in Russian Presence.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/246/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/245-naira-melikyan-turned-away-at-kornidzor-post/Fri, 07 Apr 2023 06:17:08 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/245-naira-melikyan-turned-away-at-kornidzor-post/<h1 id="accompanying-map">Accompanying Map</h1> <p><p class="md__image"> <img src="https://podcasts.groong.org/img/episode/245/map.jpg" alt="Map" title="Map of alternate route to Stepanakert" class="img-fluid" /> </p> </p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/245-naira-melikyan-turned-away-at-kornidzor-post/Fri, 07 Apr 2023 06:17:08 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/245-naira-melikyan-turned-away-at-kornidzor-post/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Naira Melikyan. In this Conversations on Groong episode, we&rsquo;ll be talking Naira Melikyan who shares troubling information from her attempt to travel to Artsakh via the newly built road passing.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/245/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/244-benyamin-poghosyan-china-rising--new-world-order-geopolitics/Wed, 05 Apr 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/244-benyamin-poghosyan-china-rising--new-world-order-geopolitics/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="china-emerging-on-the-global-stage">China Emerging on the Global Stage</h3> <p>More and more in the US it has become evident that China is emerging on the world stage as a power that is shifting the balance of geopolitical multipolarity. From the recent concerns about Tiktok and the US congressional hearings that may lead to its banning from the US, to the economic sanctions on large numbers of products and industries in trade between the US and China, it’s obvious that the larger global struggle is no longer between The West and Russia, but rather between The West and China.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/244-benyamin-poghosyan-china-rising--new-world-order-geopolitics/Wed, 05 Apr 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/244-benyamin-poghosyan-china-rising--new-world-order-geopolitics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>What agreements were reached between China and Russia? What is the role of India in the new world order? Consequence of moving away from a dollar-denominated global economic order? China as peacemaker in Ukraine. China as peacemaker in the Middle East. China&rsquo;s role in Iran and South Caucasus. How should Armenia navigate world order changes?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/244/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/243-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230404/Tue, 04 Apr 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/243-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230404/<h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>We hope you found our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update</a> helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/243-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230404/Tue, 04 Apr 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/243-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230404/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Current Living Conditions. Complete gas cutoff for 2 weeks. Weather clearing, rolling blackouts alleviate. Young farmer hits landmine. Azeris Tighten Blockade on March 25. Situation with the Sarsang Reservoir. Artsakh FM meets French Delegation in Yerevan. What do Western Statements mean to us? What do they signal to Azerbaijan?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/243/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/242-suren-sargsyan-azerbaijan-tactical-advances-armenia-at-democracy-summit-rome-statute-iran-fm-in-moscow-azeri-fm-in-israel/Mon, 03 Apr 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/242-suren-sargsyan-azerbaijan-tactical-advances-armenia-at-democracy-summit-rome-statute-iran-fm-in-moscow-azeri-fm-in-israel/<h2 id="azerbaijan-invades-pashinyan-explains">Azerbaijan Invades, Pashinyan “Explains”</h2> <p>In the past two weeks Azerbaijan has made a number of moves on the line of contact with Artsakh and Armenia and occupied additional Armenian territories.</p> <p>In Artsakh, on March 25, one move <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32334147.html">aimed</a> at controlling a dirt road that they allege was being used to supply Artsakh with weapons from Armenia - this is a lie of course. Russia blamed Azerbaijan for breaking the Ceasefire Agreement of November 2020, while the US “<a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32337825.html">expressed concern</a>” about this aggression as well. Still so far as we know, the Azerbaijani forces now have the dirt road under fire control. Azerbaijani social media circulated <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tBq8wE8ocQ">video evidence</a> of what they allege is control of <a href="https://twitter.com/Aeternum7/status/1642878374086340608">two</a> heights in the Shushi region directly overlooking the road.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/242-suren-sargsyan-azerbaijan-tactical-advances-armenia-at-democracy-summit-rome-statute-iran-fm-in-moscow-azeri-fm-in-israel/Mon, 03 Apr 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/242-suren-sargsyan-azerbaijan-tactical-advances-armenia-at-democracy-summit-rome-statute-iran-fm-in-moscow-azeri-fm-in-israel/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijan Invades, Pashinyan &ldquo;Explains&rdquo;. Armenia at the Democracy Summit. Armenia and the Rome Statute. Iran FM in Moscow, Azeri FM in Israel.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/242/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/241-benyamin-poghosyan-azerbaijan-attacks-east-west-negotiation-platforms-icc-rome-statute/Sun, 26 Mar 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/241-benyamin-poghosyan-azerbaijan-attacks-east-west-negotiation-platforms-icc-rome-statute/<h2 id="azerbaijani-attacks">Azerbaijani Attacks</h2> <p>Over the weekend, Azerbaijan blatantly <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1107223.html">violated</a> the Nov. 9, 2020 agreement, which it co-signed with Armenia and Russia, by unilaterally advancing its armed forces into the territory of Artsakh.</p> <p><p class="md__image"> <img src="https://podcasts.groong.org/img/episode/241/nkobserver_map.webp" alt="Source: @NKObserver" title="Approximate Map of Azerbaijani Incursion into Artsakh" class="img-fluid" /> </p> </p> <p>Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/nkobserver">@NKObserver</a></p> <p>The Russians <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32334147.html">blamed</a> Azerbaijan for this violation. The aim of this incursion was a dirt road which was allegedly used to bypass the Azeri blockade of Artsakh since Dec.12, 2022.</p> <p>Additionally, Artsakh has reported that its civilians have been targeted in the regions of Martuni, Taghavard, and Shosh.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/241-benyamin-poghosyan-azerbaijan-attacks-east-west-negotiation-platforms-icc-rome-statute/Sun, 26 Mar 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/241-benyamin-poghosyan-azerbaijan-attacks-east-west-negotiation-platforms-icc-rome-statute/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijani Attacks over the Weekend. East and West. Armenia and the Rome Statute.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/241/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/240-tevan-poghosyan-pashinyan-press-conference-belligerent-azerbaijan-relations-with-russia-mayoral-politics-yerevan/Sun, 19 Mar 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/240-tevan-poghosyan-pashinyan-press-conference-belligerent-azerbaijan-relations-with-russia-mayoral-politics-yerevan/<h2 id="pashinyans-press-conference">Pashinyan’s Press Conference</h2> <p>On Tuesday, Pashinyan held a 4.5 hour press-conference. He covered a range of topics from the 44 day war, to the potential so-called “peace treaty”, to Armenia’s relations with Russia, and more.</p> <p><strong>Question:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What was the main message he was trying to convey?</li> </ul> <h3 id="on-artsakh">On Artsakh</h3> <p>Regarding Pashinyan’s comments about Artsakh, he responded to a joint call by Artsakh’s parliamentary parties for Armenia to honor its own laws and not take illegal decisions to predetermine Artsakh’s fate. He said that Artsakh’s “<a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1106248.html">Rights &amp; Security</a>” are “key goal” for his administration, but he declined to endorse the right for Artsakh to self-determination. In fact he said that through 30 years of negotiations, the so-called “international community” has always <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32317247.html">regarded</a> Nagorno Karabakh as a part of Azerbaijan.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/240-tevan-poghosyan-pashinyan-press-conference-belligerent-azerbaijan-relations-with-russia-mayoral-politics-yerevan/Sun, 19 Mar 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/240-tevan-poghosyan-pashinyan-press-conference-belligerent-azerbaijan-relations-with-russia-mayoral-politics-yerevan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Pashinyan’s Press Conference. Negotiating with Belligerent Azerbaijan. Mirzoyan in Moscow. Mayoral Politics in Yerevan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/240/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/239-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230319/Sun, 19 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/239-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230319/<h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>We hope you found our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update</a> helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/239-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230319/Sun, 19 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/239-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230319/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Current Living Conditions. Gas, Power, Food, Weather. Daily Ceasefire Violations. Shooting at Civilians. Heightened Threat of War. Process of Constitutional Amendment. Is Arayik Harutyunyan Planning to Resign? Will the Amendment Go Through? Negotiations with Azerbaijan. Invitation to Negtiate “Integration” in Baku. Artsakh Demands that Armenia Respect its own Laws. Artsakh Demands an International Platform for Negotiations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/239/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/238-johnny-melikian-georgia-foreign-agent-law-protests-in-tbilisi-government-backdown/Wed, 15 Mar 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/238-johnny-melikian-georgia-foreign-agent-law-protests-in-tbilisi-government-backdown/<h2 id="georgia-law-on-foreign-agents">Georgia Law on Foreign Agents</h2> <p>On March 7, the Georgian parliament <a href="https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-parliament-revoke-foreign-agents-bill/32311614.html">voted</a> into law one of a couple of drafts of a bill that had been circulated for the last few months. One of the bills was a near-exact translation of the US law on “Foreign Agents Registration Act”, known as FARA.</p> <p>This law would require political actors to clarify their foreign funding sources and their activities to lobby lawmakers with such funding.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/238-johnny-melikian-georgia-foreign-agent-law-protests-in-tbilisi-government-backdown/Wed, 15 Mar 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/238-johnny-melikian-georgia-foreign-agent-law-protests-in-tbilisi-government-backdown/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>On March 7, the Georgian parliament voted into law a bill that would require political actors to clarify their foreign funding sources and their activities to lobby lawmakers with such funding. This ignited large protests in Tbilisi, and on March 9 the parliament agreed to rescind the law and to release arrested opposition members. We analyze the events and the outcome.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/238/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/237-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-georgia-opposition-mpg-poll/Mon, 13 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/237-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-georgia-opposition-mpg-poll/<h2 id="armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-continue">Armenia Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue</h2> <h3 id="developments-in-artsakh">Developments in Artsakh</h3> <p>In Artsakh, the Azeri blockade continues, today was Day 92. We talk to Gev Iskajyan in Stepanakert every few days. We talked to him yesterday, to get a take on how things are on the ground over there.</p> <p>As we know, on March 5 Azerbaijan attacked an Artsakh police car, in an unprovoked terroristic act. This was probably because Azerbaijan didn’t like what they heard from the Artsakh government, when they mischaracterized the meeting of the representatives of the two sides as being about “integrating Artsakh into Azerbaijan”.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/237-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-georgia-opposition-mpg-poll/Mon, 13 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/237-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-georgia-opposition-mpg-poll/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue. Developments in Artsakh. No “Peace” without “Rights and Security”? Armenia Downgrades CSTO Relations. Georgian Law on Foreign Agents. Reflections on MPG Poll “AmotiSar” Results.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/237/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/236-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230312/Sun, 12 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/236-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230312/<h2 id="gas--electricity">Gas &amp; Electricity</h2> <p>Gas was cut off yesterday again.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What’s the state of shops and businesses?</li> <li>Is the food situation stable?</li> <li>What is the current regime of electricity brownouts?</li> </ul> <h2 id="political-developments">Political Developments</h2> <p>On our last call we discussed that Artsakh reps met with Azerbaijani government officials to discuss logistics and infrastructure, but Azerbaijan misrepresented those discussions as being about “integration of Karabakh Armenians into Azerbaijan”. That was flatly denied and rejected by both Arayik Harutyunyan, as well as the Armenian government in Yerevan.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/236-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230312/Sun, 12 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/236-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230312/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Gas cutoff again. Aftermath of Azerbaijan Killing 3 Artsakh Policemen. Potential for New Aggression. No “Peace” without “Rights and Security for Artsakh”?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/236/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/235-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230306/Mon, 06 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/235-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230306/<h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>We hope you found our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update</a> helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/235-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230306/Mon, 06 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/235-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230306/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijan Attack Kills 3 Artsakh Citizens. Arayik Harutyunyan rejects Azeri ultimatum, Warns of Further Aggression. How are people responding? About the international response. Russian peacekeeper report and response. On the trilateral agreement of Nov. 2020.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/235/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/234-turkey-politics-after-earthquake-earthquake-artsakh-blockade-developments-armenia-diplomacy-egypt-president-visit-armenia/Sun, 05 Mar 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/234-turkey-politics-after-earthquake-earthquake-artsakh-blockade-developments-armenia-diplomacy-egypt-president-visit-armenia/<h2 id="turkish-politics-after-the-earthquake">Turkish Politics after the Earthquake</h2> <p>We’ve talked a lot about the earthquake in Turkey and Syria that happened a month ago. Over 50,000 people were killed in those two countries, among them Armenians.</p> <p>This coming May, Turkish presidential elections are due to be held, and president Erdogan is of course up for reelection. We want to explore how the earthquake has shifted the political maneuvering in Turkey.</p> <p>For a while after the earthquake it wasn’t clear if the presidential elections were going to be held as planned on May 14. While the announced reasons were logistical, about martial law, etc., the real reasons concerned Erdogan’s political considerations for a successful re-election. As of now, the elections are back on.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/234-turkey-politics-after-earthquake-earthquake-artsakh-blockade-developments-armenia-diplomacy-egypt-president-visit-armenia/Sun, 05 Mar 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/234-turkey-politics-after-earthquake-earthquake-artsakh-blockade-developments-armenia-diplomacy-egypt-president-visit-armenia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Turkish Politics after the Earthquake. Artsakh Blockade and Developments. Armenian Diplomatic Developments. Egyptian President’s Visit to Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/234/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/233-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230302/Thu, 02 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/233-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230302/<p>The news yesterday was that another<a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32294757.html"> meeting</a> took place between Artsakh and Azerbaijani representatives.</p> <ul> <li>What is your view of the meetings between the two sides, who are reportedly discussing humanitarian and operational issues?</li> </ul> <p>Today, president Arayik Harutyunyan<a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1105313.html"> introduced</a> the new state minister, Gurgen Nersesyan, who is replacing Ruben Vardanyan. He has the helm of all Artsakh ministries except foreign affairs and defense. Those roll up directly to president Harutyunyan.</p> <ul> <li>What’s your impression of Nerseyan, what do we know about him?</li> </ul> <p>We’ve read that the chair of the Artsakh national security council, Samvel Shahramanyan, is<a href="https://168.am/2023/03/01/1840077.html"> leading the negotiations</a> with the Azeris, who have appointed MP Ramin Mammadov as their rep. Together with Shahramanyan is<a href="https://hraparak.am/post/36fecc2b0aaad4d8fdcede11e0cb865d"> Sergey Martirosyan</a>, who has ties to Russian General Rustam Muratov.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/233-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230302/Thu, 02 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/233-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230302/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Day to day Conditions. Meeting of Artsakh and Azerbaijani Reps. What is Artsakh Discussing at the Meeting. What Concessions are being Discussed? New State Minister Gurgen Nersesyan. More Azeri Shootings in Martakert and Askeran.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/233/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/232-arthur-khachikyan-35th-anniversary-sumgait-pogroms-turkey-after-earthquake-anniversary-ukraine-war-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-since-munich/Tue, 28 Feb 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/232-arthur-khachikyan-35th-anniversary-sumgait-pogroms-turkey-after-earthquake-anniversary-ukraine-war-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-since-munich/<h2 id="35th-anniversary-of-the-sumgait-pogroms">35th Anniversary of the Sumgait Pogroms</h2> <p>Yesterday and today mark the 35th anniversary of the <a href="http://www.nkr.am/en/armenian-pogroms">pogroms</a> in Sumgait. Between February 27-29, 1988, the calls of Armenians in Karabakh for reunification with Armenia, which occurred earlier that month were met with brutal murder, violence, and plunder in Sumgait. More than 200 Armenians were killed, and Sumgait was eventually cleansed of its Armenian population. The organizers have not been punished and the real number of victims is unknown due to cover-up by Baku. This was the beginning of the complete annihilation of Armenian communities throughout Azerbaijan. Today a community estimated at over 250,000 Armenians in the Baku and Sumgait areas is gone, wiped out. Who remembers the Armenians of Azerbaijan?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/232-arthur-khachikyan-35th-anniversary-sumgait-pogroms-turkey-after-earthquake-anniversary-ukraine-war-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-since-munich/Tue, 28 Feb 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/232-arthur-khachikyan-35th-anniversary-sumgait-pogroms-turkey-after-earthquake-anniversary-ukraine-war-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-since-munich/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>35th Anniversary of the Sumgait Pogroms. Turkey after the Earthquake. One Year Anniversary of the War in Ukraine. Azerbaijan-Armenian Negotiations Continue. Personal topics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/232/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/230-anna-abrahamian-munich-artsakh-ruben-vardanyan-samvel-babayan/Fri, 24 Feb 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/230-anna-abrahamian-munich-artsakh-ruben-vardanyan-samvel-babayan/<h1 id="discussion">Discussion</h1> <h2 id="munich">Munich</h2> <p>For a lot of Armenians, last weekend’s Annual Munich Security Conference was defined by the humiliating scenes of Aliyev calling Pashinyan and Armenians “occupiers” and “capitulants”. We’ll go into the Armenian aspect of Munich, but we wanted to talk to you about more global developments.</p> <p>For instance, the US tried to raise <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2023/02/18/politics/us-warns-allies-china-russia/index.html">warnings</a> to China about supporting Russia in Ukraine.</p> <p><strong>Questions</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>Can you summarize what the Munich Security Conference means for the world? What were some of the major developments there?</li> </ul> <p>On the first anniversary of the war in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin gave a hallmark speech.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/230-anna-abrahamian-munich-artsakh-ruben-vardanyan-samvel-babayan/Fri, 24 Feb 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/230-anna-abrahamian-munich-artsakh-ruben-vardanyan-samvel-babayan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Today we&rsquo;re going to talk with Anna Abrahamian about two or three topics. The Munich Security Conference 2023. We&rsquo;ll touch on Russian president Putin&rsquo;s state of the federation address.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/230/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/229-artur-papyan-internet-censorship-laws-cyberthreats-cyberspying-armenia/Fri, 24 Feb 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/229-artur-papyan-internet-censorship-laws-cyberthreats-cyberspying-armenia/<h1 id="cyber-laws-and-threats-in-armenia">Cyber Laws and Threats in Armenia</h1> <h2 id="censoring-the-internet">Censoring the Internet</h2> <p>On December 22, 2022 the Armenian ministry of justice caused a big commotion among the media community by <a href="https://www.e-draft.am/projects/5186">publishing</a> a proposal for legislative changes that would effectively allow the government to censor the internet completely or partially in the event of martial law. The deadline for submitting comments was Armenian Christmas, January 6, 2023, approximately 10 work days (with NY in between).</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/229-artur-papyan-internet-censorship-laws-cyberthreats-cyberspying-armenia/Fri, 24 Feb 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/229-artur-papyan-internet-censorship-laws-cyberthreats-cyberspying-armenia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Censoring the Internet. Cyberthreats and Cyberspying in Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/229/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/226-anna-karapetyan-35th-anniversary-karabakh-movement-russia-warns-eu-and-armenia-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-continue/Mon, 20 Feb 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/226-anna-karapetyan-35th-anniversary-karabakh-movement-russia-warns-eu-and-armenia-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-continue/<h2 id="35th-anniversary-of-the-karabakh-movement">35th Anniversary of the Karabakh Movement</h2> <p>That today is the 35th anniversary of the Karabakh movement, which started the entire struggle for independence and self-determination of Artsakh, and finally its secession from a crumbling Soviet Union, the same as Armenia, Azerbaijan, and all the other states.</p> <p>This anniversary is being celebrated in precarious circumstances, with Artsakh under siege, Armenia proper in some kind of stupor or apathy, and an equally inactive Diaspora.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/226-anna-karapetyan-35th-anniversary-karabakh-movement-russia-warns-eu-and-armenia-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-continue/Mon, 20 Feb 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/226-anna-karapetyan-35th-anniversary-karabakh-movement-russia-warns-eu-and-armenia-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-continue/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>35th Anniversary of the Karabakh Movement. Russia Warns the EU and Armenia. Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations Continue. Personal topics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/226/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/224-benyamin-poghosyan-turkey-syria-earthquake-armenia-azerbaijan-lavrov-interview-eu-mission-csto-public-perceptions-yerevan-politics/Sun, 12 Feb 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/224-benyamin-poghosyan-turkey-syria-earthquake-armenia-azerbaijan-lavrov-interview-eu-mission-csto-public-perceptions-yerevan-politics/<h2 id="earthquake-in-turkey-and-syria">Earthquake in Turkey and Syria</h2> <p>On Monday, a magnitude 7.8 <a href="https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/turkey-syria-earthquake-updates-2-8-23-intl/index.html">earthquake</a> hit the Marash region of Turkey. This is the northeast of historic Armenian Cilicia. The quake also shot straight down to Syria where it was felt as a 7.5, in the regions of Idlib and Aleppo, and was also felt very powerfully all the way down in Beirut, Lebanon. The deaths now exceed 29,000, over 6,000 buildings are estimated to have collapsed, and the western sanctions on Syria were a major obstacle to sending immediate aid to help those in need in that country, although on Thursday the US signed a special blanket clearance for all earthquake-related humanitarian aid to Syria for the next 6 months. Turkish early response was slow, although international response was swift, and a reported over 160,000 rescue workers were in the affected regions of Turkey, helping the hundreds of thousands in need.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/224-benyamin-poghosyan-turkey-syria-earthquake-armenia-azerbaijan-lavrov-interview-eu-mission-csto-public-perceptions-yerevan-politics/Sun, 12 Feb 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/224-benyamin-poghosyan-turkey-syria-earthquake-armenia-azerbaijan-lavrov-interview-eu-mission-csto-public-perceptions-yerevan-politics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict. FM Lavrov&rsquo;s Interview to Russian Media. EU vs CSTO Missions. Shifting Public Perceptions.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/224/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/219-arthur-martirosyan-army-day-eu-monitoring-mission-russia-iran-relations-artsakh-blockade/Sun, 29 Jan 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/219-arthur-martirosyan-army-day-eu-monitoring-mission-russia-iran-relations-artsakh-blockade/<h2 id="armenian-army-day">Armenian Army Day</h2> <h3 id="january-28---army-day">January 28 - Army Day</h3> <p>Armenia’s Army Day is on January 28, that was yesterday. First we’d like to thank all those who’ve served, who are serving, and plan to serve, on this important milestone, the 31st anniversary of the Armenian army. Thank you!</p> <p>The Armenian armed forces are the backbone of the hopes of any successful Armenian state. Let’s just be blunt: there is no future without a strong army.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/219-arthur-martirosyan-army-day-eu-monitoring-mission-russia-iran-relations-artsakh-blockade/Sun, 29 Jan 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/219-arthur-martirosyan-army-day-eu-monitoring-mission-russia-iran-relations-artsakh-blockade/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Army Day - January 28. Events at Yerablur. New EU Monitoring Mission. Armenia&rsquo;s Diplomacy. Russia&rsquo;s Increasing Displeasure. Iran&rsquo;s Tempered Displeasure. Artsakh Blockade.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/219/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/217-tevan-poghosyan-fire-inmilitary-barracks-kills-15-new-eu-monitoring-mission-russia-relations-ruben-vardanyan-on-bbc-hardtalk/Tue, 24 Jan 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/217-tevan-poghosyan-fire-inmilitary-barracks-kills-15-new-eu-monitoring-mission-russia-relations-ruben-vardanyan-on-bbc-hardtalk/<h2 id="catastrophic-accident-kills-15-soldiers">Catastrophic Accident Kills 15 Soldiers</h2> <h3 id="what-happened">What happened</h3> <p>Some time between 00:30 and 1:00 am on January 19th <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1102148.html">a fire broke out</a> in the military barracks housing a company of sappers in the Armenian Army, in Gegharkunik province. The fire quickly spread and as a result <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2019574104975338/">15 men</a> died, and 3 who escaped were severely injured.</p> <p>Let’s discuss the social and political aspects. What this event means for the Pashinyan government, and also how the Armenian population is dealing with this loss.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/217-tevan-poghosyan-fire-inmilitary-barracks-kills-15-new-eu-monitoring-mission-russia-relations-ruben-vardanyan-on-bbc-hardtalk/Tue, 24 Jan 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/217-tevan-poghosyan-fire-inmilitary-barracks-kills-15-new-eu-monitoring-mission-russia-relations-ruben-vardanyan-on-bbc-hardtalk/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Catastrophic Accident in Military Barrack. New EU Civilian Mission to Armenia. Armenia-Russia Relations. Ruben Vardanyan on BBC HARDtalk.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/217/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/216-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230124/Tue, 24 Jan 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/216-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230124/<h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>We hope you found our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update</a> helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/216-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230124/Tue, 24 Jan 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/216-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230124/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>January 24 Update. Ruben Vardanyan on BBC HARDtalk. Importance of not normalizing tragedy.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/216/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/214-karen-vrtanesyan-catastrophe-in-azat/Mon, 23 Jan 2023 06:41:21 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/214-karen-vrtanesyan-catastrophe-in-azat/<p>Some time between 00:30 and 1:00 am on January 19th a fire broke out in a temporary military barracks housing a company of sappers in the Armenian Army, in Gegharkunik province. The fire quickly spread and as a result 15 men died, and 3 who escaped were severely injured. Our condolences to the families and loved ones and to the entire Armenian nation on this tragic loss.</p> <h2 id="references-made-during-the-show">References Made During The Show</h2> <ul> <li>Terms used: <ul> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firehose_of_falsehood">Firehose of falsehood</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.rand.org/pubs/reprints/RP844.html">Coup proofing</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Books: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60034860-the-revenge-of-power">The Revenge of Power: How Autocrats Are Reinventing Politics for the 21st Century</a> by Moisés Naím</li> <li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/58885955-spin-dictators">Spin Dictators: The Changing Face of Tyranny in the 21st Century</a> by Sergei Guriev, Daniel Treisman</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="catastrophe-in-azat-gegharkunik">Catastrophe in Azat, Gegharkunik</h3> <p>The images released to the media show a shabby house in the Azat village, not what you’d expect for a military barracks. Various government representatives later explained that this house, which had one entrance and the windows had metal bars on them, was temporary and started being used as a barracks either after 2020, 2021 or September 2022 depending on whose account you want to trust.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/214-karen-vrtanesyan-catastrophe-in-azat/Mon, 23 Jan 2023 06:41:21 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/214-karen-vrtanesyan-catastrophe-in-azat/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Some time between 00:30 and 1:00 am on January 19th a fire broke out in a temporary military barracks housing a company of sappers in the Armenian Army, in Gegharkunik province. The fire quickly spread and as a result 15 men died, and 3 who escaped were severely injured. Our condolences to the families and loved ones and to the entire Armenian nation on this tragic loss.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/214/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/213-metaxe-hakobyan-on-artsakh-blockade/Sun, 22 Jan 2023 06:00:54 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/213-metaxe-hakobyan-on-artsakh-blockade/<h2 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h2> <p>We hope you found our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/series/cog/">Conversations on Groong</a> helpful, we invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong"><strong>find us</strong></a> on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to <strong>Laura Osborn</strong> for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/213-metaxe-hakobyan-on-artsakh-blockade/Sun, 22 Jan 2023 06:00:54 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/213-metaxe-hakobyan-on-artsakh-blockade/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Metaxe Hakobyan: Blockade of Artsakh Day 41 | Ep 213 - Jan 21, 2023. Metaxe Hakobyan: member of the Justice faction in the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/213/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/209-rananjay-anand-indo-armenian-friendship-ngo-india-on-world-stage-economic-trade-defense-relations-hope-promise/Wed, 18 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/209-rananjay-anand-indo-armenian-friendship-ngo-india-on-world-stage-economic-trade-defense-relations-hope-promise/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <p>Mr. Anand, since this is your first time on our show, we’re interested in hearing more about you and your involvement with Armenian relations or the involvement of Armenians in your life.</p> <ul> <li>What is the Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO that you co-founded? <ul> <li>How many members does it have?</li> <li>Where does it get its funding?</li> <li>Do you get support from the Indian embassy or the MFA?</li> <li>Are there other NGOs that support the Indian community in Armenia?</li> <li>How large is the Indian community in Armenia, and what ties do you maintain with them?</li> </ul> </li> <li>What attracted you to working in the field of relationship building between the two nations?</li> </ul> <h3 id="india-on-the-world-stage">India on the World Stage</h3> <p>India is one of the largest countries in the world, and is barely second only to China as the most populous country in the world. In fact, within a few years India is expected to overtake China in this area. At the same time, India is the most populous, or largest democracy in the world, and a major regional and nuclear power, with significant technology and defense industries. So it is quickly rising to become a world power, which other major powers can no longer ignore or take for granted. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Indian-Russian partnership has further developed. India has increased its consumption of Russian gas. India is also a key member of BRICS, which is set to grow much more in influence as a testament to the rearrangement of the world geopolitical order.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/209-rananjay-anand-indo-armenian-friendship-ngo-india-on-world-stage-economic-trade-defense-relations-hope-promise/Wed, 18 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/209-rananjay-anand-indo-armenian-friendship-ngo-india-on-world-stage-economic-trade-defense-relations-hope-promise/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO. The Indian Community in Armenia. Where India sees itself on the world stage. Drivers for Indian-Armenian Relations. How to improve economic and trade relations. The Hope &amp; Promise of Indian Armenian Friendship.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/209/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/207-edgar-ghazaryan-political-developments-in-artsakh-ruben-vardanyan/Tue, 17 Jan 2023 22:20:57 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/207-edgar-ghazaryan-political-developments-in-artsakh-ruben-vardanyan/<h2 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h2> <p>We hope you found our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/series/cog/">Conversations on Groong</a> helpful, we invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong"><strong>find us</strong></a> on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to <strong>Laura Osborn</strong> for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/207-edgar-ghazaryan-political-developments-in-artsakh-ruben-vardanyan/Tue, 17 Jan 2023 22:20:57 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/207-edgar-ghazaryan-political-developments-in-artsakh-ruben-vardanyan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Edgar Ghazaryan: Էդգար Ղազարյանը, Արցախում քաղաքական զարգացումների Õ´Õ¡Õ½Õ«Õ¶ | Ep 207 - Jan 17, 2023. Edgar Ghazaryan/Էդգար Ղազարյան. Why should Ruben Vardanyan stay?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/207/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/206-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-blockade-pashinyan-press-conference-ministry-interior-appointments-artsakh-appointments-armenia-economy-outlook-2023/Sun, 15 Jan 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/206-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-blockade-pashinyan-press-conference-ministry-interior-appointments-artsakh-appointments-armenia-economy-outlook-2023/<h2 id="artsakh-blockade-status">Artsakh Blockade Status</h2> <p>Well, we all know that Artsakh has been blockaded by Azerbaijan for over a month now. This happens to be day 35.</p> <p>Last Monday afternoon, Artsakh’s main power line connecting Stepanakert and Goris was <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1101331.html">damaged</a>. ArtsakhEnergo has still not been allowed access to the site of repairs to restore service. So each day there are rolling blackouts to make do with locally produced electricity.</p> <p>Mid-week there was a 24-hour Internet outage, but service was restored by Friday evening. Per our reports from Stepanakert, supplies are low, food stamps are being implemented right now, and over 200 businesses have shut down, and so a serious state budget revenue shortfall is expected. This is where things stand for now.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/206-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-blockade-pashinyan-press-conference-ministry-interior-appointments-artsakh-appointments-armenia-economy-outlook-2023/Sun, 15 Jan 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/206-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-blockade-pashinyan-press-conference-ministry-interior-appointments-artsakh-appointments-armenia-economy-outlook-2023/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Artsakh Update and Politics in Stepanakert. Pashinyan’s “Press Conference”. Ministry of Interior Affairs Appointments. Economic Review and Outlook in 2023. Personal Comments. Hrant - MPG polls results on Armenian Attitudes towards Russia. Hovik - Stop the destructive internal politics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/206/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/204-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230114/Sat, 14 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/204-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230114/<h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>We hope you found our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update</a> helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/204-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230114/Sat, 14 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/204-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230114/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Rolling Blackouts Continue. Internet Connection Difficulties. Over 200 Businesses Closed. Thousands laid off. Kashen Mine remains Closed. Status in the Regions and Towns. Concerns over Tax Revenue Shortfalls. Concerns about Rumors and Disinformation.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/204/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/202-aram-orbelyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-33/Fri, 13 Jan 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/202-aram-orbelyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-33/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <p>We have a number of additional questions for you so thank you for giving us your time again.</p> <h3 id="azerbaijans-legal-basis">Azerbaijan’s Legal Basis</h3> <p>Ever since this blockade started a number of world governments and international organizations have called on Azerbaijan to unblock the Berdzor corridor. Yet, so far all these calls are on deaf ears.</p> <ul> <li>What legal basis does Azerbaijan’s basis of establishing a control checkpoint on the Berdzor corridor have?</li> <li>How do Azerbaijan’s actions relate to the Nov. 9th document?</li> </ul> <h3 id="is-it-genocide">Is It Genocide?</h3> <p>A number of organizations worldwide have warned about the risk of genocide in Artsakh. The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention has so far <a href="https://www.lemkininstitute.com/red-flag-alerts-1/red-flag-alert-for-genocide----azerbaijan---update-5">issued</a> 5 updates for its “Red Flag Alert” on Artsakh, calling both the separation of Artsakh from Armenia and the act of isolating and terrorizing ethnic Armenians residing in Artsakh, as implementation of “genocidal policies in the region”.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/202-aram-orbelyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-33/Fri, 13 Jan 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/202-aram-orbelyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-33/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/202/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/203-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230113/Fri, 13 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/203-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230113/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1101642.html">Internet connectivity</a> was restored in Artsakh later this afternoon.</li> <li>Today is the 33rd day of the #ArtsakhBlockade - but it also marks the 33rd anniversary of the Baku and Sumgait pogroms against Armenians in Azerbaijan. Does anything ever change, when it comes to hate against the Armenians in Azerbaijan?</li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>We hope you found our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update</a> helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/203-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230113/Fri, 13 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/203-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230113/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Internet Restored. Rolling Blackouts Continue. 33rd Day of #ArtsakhBlockade, and 33rd Anniversary of Baku &amp; Sumgait Pogroms in Azerbaijan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/203/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/201-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230112/Thu, 12 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/201-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230112/<h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>We hope you found our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update</a> helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/201-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230112/Thu, 12 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/201-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230112/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Internet cutoff. Power situation and rolling blackouts. Psychological pressure on Artsakh. It&rsquo;s going to get tougher&hellip; Consequences of Internet cutoff. Psychological pressure on Artsakh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/201/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/200-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230111/Wed, 11 Jan 2023 15:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/200-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230111/<h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>We hope you found our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update</a> helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/200-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230111/Wed, 11 Jan 2023 15:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/200-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230111/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Power Shortages. Food Rationing and Basic Supplies. Weather Conditions. New Ministerial Appointments.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/200/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/199-william-bairamian-arthur-khachikyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-31/Wed, 11 Jan 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/199-william-bairamian-arthur-khachikyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-31/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <p>The dire situation in Artsakh and Armenia is developing at ever increasing speed.</p> <p>Yesterday, in addition to the political crisis in Artsakh, Nikol Pashinyan held a press conference where he essentially put it in the plainest terms that Armenia’s security partnership with Russia and CSTO is not welcome for his regime. And despite the blockade of Artsakh and daily threats of violence by Aliyev, his government is interested in signing a treaty, one that he calls “a peace treaty” but which we call a capitulation.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/199-william-bairamian-arthur-khachikyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-31/Wed, 11 Jan 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/199-william-bairamian-arthur-khachikyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-31/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/199/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/198-hovhannes-ishkhanyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-25/Thu, 05 Jan 2023 22:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/198-hovhannes-ishkhanyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-25/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="apathy-and-indifference">Apathy and Indifference</h3> <p>The blockade of Artsakh is 25 days old. More than 120K people are at risk of being famished.</p> <p>Yet, in Yerevan and Armenia in general life goes on as usual. On NY’s eve, as the clock struck 12, fireworks were launched all over the city. The entire city seemed to be one big Disneyland. Watching the fireworks was most surreal from Yerablur.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Do you think this is normal?</li> <li>Does the Armenian government have a responsibility to set the public’s mood? <ul> <li>For instance, a popular liberal veteran journalist recently said that only dictatorships control public moods. But then we see cities like Warsaw, Poland canceling NY fireworks partly in support of Ukrainians.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Are the Armenian people indifferent, or apathetic, or tuned out of the unfolding politics around Armenia and the region? Have they given up, or lost hope?</li> <li>What do you think is the cause for the passivity in Yerevan towards the plight of the Artakhtsis.</li> </ul> <h3 id="armenian-government-helpless">Armenian Government Helpless?</h3> <p>The Armenian authorities are prone to blaming anyone they can find for the situation that has been created. At times they’ve blamed the voters, other times they’ve <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32204447.html">blamed</a> Russia and the Russian peacekeeping force.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/198-hovhannes-ishkhanyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-25/Thu, 05 Jan 2023 22:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/198-hovhannes-ishkhanyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-25/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/198/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/197-artsakh-blockade-union-state-internet-control-highlights-lowlights-2023-predictions/Tue, 03 Jan 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/197-artsakh-blockade-union-state-internet-control-highlights-lowlights-2023-predictions/<h2 id="artsakh-blockade">Artsakh Blockade</h2> <p>Hovik, since you’ve been interviewing analysts and politicians for the past 2 weeks, on the topic of the Artsakh Blockade, can you share your impressions from these conversations?</p> <h2 id="fsu-is-now-the-future-soviet-union">FSU is now the Future Soviet Union</h2> <p>Once again this week rumors flared up that Putin is pressuring Armenia to join the so-called “Union State” that currently consists of Russia and Belarus. This <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32195524.html">round was set off</a> by the secretary of the Armenian national security council, Armen Grigoryan. For a day or so the entire ruling party was buzzing with this news, but Russia vehemently <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32197595.html">denied</a> the report and slammed the provocative remarks.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/197-artsakh-blockade-union-state-internet-control-highlights-lowlights-2023-predictions/Tue, 03 Jan 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/197-artsakh-blockade-union-state-internet-control-highlights-lowlights-2023-predictions/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Hovik&rsquo;s Reflections from the Artsakh Blockade Interviews. Is Russia Pressuring Armenia to join a &ldquo;Union State&rdquo;? Government Bill to Control the Internet During Martial Law. Highlights and Lowlights from Armenian News in 2022. Predictions for 2023.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/197/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/196-karen-vrtanesyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-19/Fri, 30 Dec 2022 21:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/196-karen-vrtanesyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-19/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="how-did-we-get-here">How did we get here?</h3> <p>Karen, we are now on Day 19 of the blockade. There are continuing reports of shortages and depleted supplies.</p> <h4 id="question">Question:</h4> <ul> <li>How do you think we got here?</li> </ul> <h3 id="armenias-defense-readiness">Armenia’s Defense Readiness</h3> <p>Some politicians and analysts, such as Avetik Chalabyan, say that without engaging the military, Armenia will not be able to unblock the corridor.</p> <ul> <li>Does Armenia have the capacity to engage in military operations to unblock the corridor? Are there other means, for instance flying airlifts to Stepanakert?</li> </ul> <p>How about Syunik specifically? For nearly 30 years, the Syunetsi had lived in peace, the nearest enemy soldier being hundreds of kilometers away. After the 44-day war, this situation changed drastically. During the September 13 attacks, your hometown of Kapan, along with Goris, Jermuk, Vardenis, and others were targets of heavy shelling.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/196-karen-vrtanesyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-19/Fri, 30 Dec 2022 21:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/196-karen-vrtanesyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-19/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/196/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/195-benyamin-poghosyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-16/Tue, 27 Dec 2022 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/195-benyamin-poghosyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-16/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="azerbaijans-strategy">Azerbaijan’s Strategy</h3> <p>Benyamin, you’re probably one of the most frequent guests of our podcast and I remember having many conversations with you regarding the geopolitical developments between Azerbaijan and Armenia since the end of the 44 day war.</p> <p>When <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/106-zoom-for-democracy-domestic-regional-politics-artsakh-independence-at-30-ep-106-dec-12-2021/">a year ago</a> you were telling us that the government in Armenia believes “that Artsakh is lost and the maximum that these people can hope for is to live in de-jure Azerbaijan but de-facto Russian controlled protectorate”, part of me didn’t want to believe that despite the writing on the wall.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/195-benyamin-poghosyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-16/Tue, 27 Dec 2022 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/195-benyamin-poghosyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-16/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/195/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/194-yeghia-tashjian-artsakh-under-blockade-relations-with-russia-protests-in-stepanakert/Mon, 26 Dec 2022 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/194-yeghia-tashjian-artsakh-under-blockade-relations-with-russia-protests-in-stepanakert/<p>For the past two weeks now, we’ve been covering the Artsakh blockade almost daily in our podcasts and videos, so let’s take a step back from the daily trauma, and look at the drivers behind the crisis.</p> <p>We know that the Russian peacekeepers have been put in a very precarious position by the Turkish-Azeri alliance, which is taking advantage of a time when Russia is tied up dealing with its war in Ukraine and needs to play soft with them in order to not open additional fronts in the global Russia-West conflict. I’d like to ask a two tiered question:</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/194-yeghia-tashjian-artsakh-under-blockade-relations-with-russia-protests-in-stepanakert/Mon, 26 Dec 2022 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/194-yeghia-tashjian-artsakh-under-blockade-relations-with-russia-protests-in-stepanakert/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Artsakh Blockade. The Role of the Armenian Government. Relations with Russia. Latest Draft of &ldquo;Peace&rdquo; Proposal. Weekend Protests in Artsakh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/194/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/193-arthur-khachatryan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-15/Mon, 26 Dec 2022 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/193-arthur-khachatryan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-15/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="snub-to-russia">Snub to Russia</h3> <p>Let’s begin our discussion with what transpired on Friday the 23rd, in Moscow. The foreign ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia were originally scheduled to meet in a trilateral meeting there, and the agenda was about the so-called “peace negotiations” between Azerbaijan and Armenia.</p> <p>Russian foreign minister Lavrov announced to the media that Ararat Mirzoyan canceled at the last minute, and so only Azerbaijan’s Jeyhun Bayramov and Lavrov met.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/193-arthur-khachatryan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-15/Mon, 26 Dec 2022 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/193-arthur-khachatryan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-15/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/193/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/192-edgar-elbakyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-13/Sat, 24 Dec 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/192-edgar-elbakyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-13/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="ararat-mirzoyan---no-show">Ararat Mirzoyan - no show</h3> <p>On Friday, December 23, 2022 there was supposed to be a meeting in Moscow between the foreign ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia. This was originally intended to be used for the negotiations on a so-called “peace deal” between Azerbaijan and Armenia.</p> <p>Russian foreign minister Lavrov announced to the media that Ararat Mirzoyan had canceled at the last minute, and therefore only Jeyhun Bayramov and Lavrov met in Moscow. Lavrov stressed that diplomatic channels were not used for coordination and that they learned from Armenia’s MFA announcement. Meanwhile, according to Channel 5, the Armenian side did not cancel the meeting and had only requested to move the meeting to a later date.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/192-edgar-elbakyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-13/Sat, 24 Dec 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/192-edgar-elbakyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-13/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/192/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/191-varuzhan-geghamyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-11/Fri, 23 Dec 2022 04:57:22 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/191-varuzhan-geghamyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-11/<h2 id="show-notes">Show notes</h2> <h3 id="update-on-numbers">Update on Numbers</h3> <p>As we are recording this discussion, more than 120,000 people remain trapped in the Republic of Artsakh (or Nagorno-Karabakh). For 11 days, Azerbaijan has brazenly blocked all traffic to and from Artsakh, hindering delivery of critical supplies. Yesterday, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) intervened to transport one cardiac patient to Yerevan. Naturally the Azerbaijani authorities are now cynically using the video of that Red Cross truck crossing the corridor as evidence that they haven’t blocked anything.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/191-varuzhan-geghamyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-11/Fri, 23 Dec 2022 04:57:22 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/191-varuzhan-geghamyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-11/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>We continue our coverage of the crisis in Artsakh by developments in the UN Security Council as well as Turkish and Iranian concerns in the region. More than 120 thousand people, including 30 thousand children, are under siege. Today is the 11th day of the crisis. This interview is a continuation of the collaboration between ANN/Groong and 168 Hours aiming to bring you more English-language coverage on the. 168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. ANN/Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/190-aram-orbelyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-11/Fri, 23 Dec 2022 02:53:21 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/190-aram-orbelyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-11/<h2 id="show-notes">Show notes</h2> <h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="united-nations">United Nations</h3> <p>On Monday, the United Nations Security Council met at Armenia’s <a href="https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N22/589/61/PDF/N2258961.pdf?OpenElement">request</a> to discuss the situation in Artsakh. We heard a lot of statements from UNSC members bemoaning the crisis, demanding the reopening of the Lachin corridor, but what we didn’t hear was condemnation of Azerbaijan or resolutions by the UNSC demanding remediation.</p> <p><strong>Question:</strong></p> <ul> <li>In general, what tools does the UN Security Council have to compel Azerbaijan to open the Lachin (or Berdzor) corridor?</li> </ul> <p>Despite any resolutions and a clear condemnation of Azerbaijan, Armenian authorities seem to be very happy with the results - specifically about some statements that named Azerbaijan as the culprit.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/190-aram-orbelyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-11/Fri, 23 Dec 2022 02:53:21 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/190-aram-orbelyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-11/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/190/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/189-hayk-mamijanyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-10/Wed, 21 Dec 2022 20:31:50 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/189-hayk-mamijanyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-10/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="russia-and-unsc">Russia and UNSC</h3> <p>Here we are on Day 10 of the Artsakh Blockade that Azerbaijan has imposed on 120,000 of our compatriots.</p> <p>The Russian peacekeepers were put in a very precarious position when Azerbaijan blocked the Lachin corridor with pretend “eco-environmental” protesters (in reality they’re fully controlled by the government of Azerbaijan). The Turkish-Azeri alliance took advantage of a time when Russia is tied up dealing with their war in Ukraine, and needs to manage some unsavory relationships that it needs right now; specifically: Turkey.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/189-hayk-mamijanyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-10/Wed, 21 Dec 2022 20:31:50 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/189-hayk-mamijanyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-10/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/189/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/188-tevan-poghosyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-9/Wed, 21 Dec 2022 04:40:12 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/188-tevan-poghosyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-9/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="artsakh-blockade-day-9">Artsakh Blockade Day 9</h3> <p>Here we are on Day 9 of the Artsakh Blockade that Azerbaijan has imposed on 120 thousand of our compatriots.</p> <p>The Turkish-Azeri alliance took advantage of a time when Russia is tied up dealing with their war in Ukraine, and needs to manage some unsavory relationships that it needs right now; specifically: Turkey.</p> <p>So the Russian peacekeepers were put in a very precarious position when Azerbaijan blocked the Lachin corridor with pretend “eco-environmental” protesters. There are reports that these demonstrators are intelligence and defense workers and they’re in fact under the protection of Azeri police and defense forces.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/188-tevan-poghosyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-9/Wed, 21 Dec 2022 04:40:12 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/188-tevan-poghosyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-9/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/188/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/187-arman-tatoyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-9/Tue, 20 Dec 2022 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/187-arman-tatoyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-9/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="update-on-numbers">Update on Numbers</h3> <p>As we are recording this discussion, more than 120 thousand people remain trapped in the Republic of Artsakh (or Nagorno-Karabakh). For 9 days, Azerbaijan has brazenly blocked all traffic to and fro, hindering delivery of food and critical supplies. Yesterday, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) intervened to transport one cardiac patient to Yerevan, which the protesters did let through. Naturally the Azerbaijani authorities are now cynically using the video of that Red Cross truck crossing the corridor as evidence that they haven’t blocked anything.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/187-arman-tatoyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-9/Tue, 20 Dec 2022 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/187-arman-tatoyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-9/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/187/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/186-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-under-blockade-day-8/Mon, 19 Dec 2022 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/186-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-under-blockade-day-8/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="weekend-update">Weekend Update</h3> <p>Late last week, after even resorting to the step of disrupting the flow of gas that goes through a pipeline from Yerevan to Stepanakert, the gas flow was restored. State minister Ruben Vardanyan indicated that the transportation blockade could also be lifted soon, however, as of now the Berdzor (or Lachin) corridor is still closed.</p> <p>This land corridor is the only way people can move to and from Artsakh, and at this time the free movement of people to and from Artsakh is prevented by Azerbaijan. Stepanakert has an airport which could be used to airlift supplies from Armenia, but Azerbaijan has threatened to shoot down any aircraft that uses Artsakh airspace.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/186-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-under-blockade-day-8/Mon, 19 Dec 2022 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/186-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-under-blockade-day-8/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/186/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/185-arthur-khachikyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-6/Sat, 17 Dec 2022 11:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/185-arthur-khachikyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-6/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="background">Background</h3> <p>On Monday, December 12, a group of people in civilian clothes blocked the Shushi-Qarin Tak segment of the Lachin corridor for all traffic.</p> <p>Although this is clearly instigated by the Azerbaijani government, the official pretense is that this group of so-called “eco-activists” was demanding to inspect the Kashen gold mine in Artsakh/Nagorno Karabakh, which employs 1800 people and is one of the larger tax-payers in Artsakh.</p> <p>As a result, more than 120 thousand people are in a total blockade. For 2-3 days gas service was also disrupted, before being restored again. Thousands of Artsakhtsis who were visiting Armenia are now stranded, among them children. Food, medicine, fuel are all under rations.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/185-arthur-khachikyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-6/Sat, 17 Dec 2022 11:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/185-arthur-khachikyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-6/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/185/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/184-hakob-hakobyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-4/Thu, 15 Dec 2022 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/184-hakob-hakobyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-4/<h2 id="hakob-hakobyan-in-armenian">Hakob Hakobyan (in Armenian)</h2> <p>We are now on the fourth day of this illegal blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijan. No one can enter or leave Artsakh for 4 days and Artsakhtsis have been without gas for three days.</p> <p>We will discuss this issue today with the leader of the Artsakh’s justice party, Hakob Hakobyan. Welcome Hakob.</p> <p>Q: How would you describe the situation on the ground in Artsakh?</p> <p>There have been numerous reports that in order to unblock the Lachin corridor the Azerbaijani side has demanded access to the Kashen mine. In fact, there were media reports that the rights to the Kashen mine have been sold to foreign companies.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/184-hakob-hakobyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-4/Thu, 15 Dec 2022 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/184-hakob-hakobyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-4/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Hakob Hakobyan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/184/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/183-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-3/Wed, 14 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/183-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-3/<h2 id="gev-iskajyan">Gev Iskajyan</h2> <p>We’re now talking to Gev Iskajyan, representative of the ANC in Artsakh.</p> <p>Gev, we are now entering day 3 of the complete transportation blockade of Artsakh and the 2nd day of energy blockade.</p> <p><strong>Q: Can you brief us about the current humanitarian situation on the ground?</strong></p> <ul> <li>Is there food rationing?</li> <li>What is the situation with schools?</li> </ul> <p><strong>Q: Are you aware of any political goals from Azerbaijan?</strong></p> <p>As far as I’m aware, so far the EU spokesperson has called on Azerbaijan distinctly to cease the blockade. The United States has issued a similar statement. Today, the Russian peacekeepers daily report directly blamed Azerbaijan for the blockade of Artsakh. However, other organizations, for example the UN have been silent.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/183-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-3/Wed, 14 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/183-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-3/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Gev Iskajyan. For three days now the campaign instigated by the government of Azerbaijan has prevented the freedom of movement of Armenians of Artsakh. Gas supplies have also been cut off. &ldquo;Artsakh is still Armenian land. Artsakh is still an independent republic. Artsakh is not gone. . We have to hold on to what remains of this land here.&rdquo; - Gev Iskajyan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/183/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/182-lachin-blockade-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-military-exercises-syunik/Sun, 11 Dec 2022 23:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/182-lachin-blockade-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-military-exercises-syunik/<h2 id="show-notes">Show notes</h2> <h2 id="lachin-blockade---humanitarian-crisis-looming">Lachin Blockade - Humanitarian crisis looming</h2> <p>As we already covered last week, the Lachin corridor was effectively blocked for 3 hours. This week the staged environmentalist operation resumed and at the time of this recording the corridor has been blockaded for more than 30 hours. And earlier today Azerbaijan cut gas supplies. Now there is a transportation and energy blockade, no medicine or medical aid can get in, and there are reports that medical patients are not able to urgently go to Yerevan to seek medical care.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/182-lachin-blockade-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-military-exercises-syunik/Sun, 11 Dec 2022 23:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/182-lachin-blockade-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-military-exercises-syunik/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Lachin Corridor Blockade. Continuing Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations. Turkish-Azerbaijani Military Exercises. Travel Impressions from the region.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/182/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/181-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-artsakh-reshuffle-opposition/Tue, 06 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/181-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-artsakh-reshuffle-opposition/<h2 id="armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations">Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations</h2> <h3 id="csto-debacle">CSTO Debacle</h3> <p>We published a special podcast with Anna Karapetyan about the <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/180">CSTO Summit in Yerevan</a>.</p> <p>There’ve been a few major developments in the sphere of Armenian-Azerbaijani negotiations in the past two weeks, among them the CSTO summit which ended in a debacle.</p> <p>The Armenian side vetoed a measure of “aid to Armenia” because it didn’t include condemnation of Azerbaijan’s invasion of Armenian territory. As a result the entire package of measures, including the final declaration was effectively vetoed.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/181-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-artsakh-reshuffle-opposition/Tue, 06 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/181-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-artsakh-reshuffle-opposition/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue. CSTO Debacle. Lavrov Bombshell. Lachin Corridor Blockaded. Brussels Summit Canceled. Artsakh President Lays off Government. Parliamentary Opposition Fragmenting.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/181/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/180-anna-karapetyan-on-armenias-rocky-relationship-with-the-csto/Mon, 05 Dec 2022 23:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/180-anna-karapetyan-on-armenias-rocky-relationship-with-the-csto/<h2 id="csto-summit-in-yerevan">CSTO Summit in Yerevan</h2> <p>On Wednesday, November 23rd, Russian president Putin arrived in Yerevan to attend the CSTO Summit. It was originally announced that he would arrive a day earlier, but for whatever reasons that didn’t happen. Pashinyan had been inviting Putin to visit since earlier in the year, and Putin had originally agreed to do so, but those plans got compressed into this visit for the CSTO summit.</p> <p>Among Armenia’s stated goals was to obtain a<a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1098293.html"> clear assessment</a> of the CSTO’s support for Armenia’s sovereignty, condemning Azerbaijan’s occupation of Armenian territory. This goal was not achieved, and Pashinyan did not sign the final CSTO summit declaration.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/180-anna-karapetyan-on-armenias-rocky-relationship-with-the-csto/Mon, 05 Dec 2022 23:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/180-anna-karapetyan-on-armenias-rocky-relationship-with-the-csto/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>What’s Armenia’s Goal in pushing the CSTO in a direction that it won’t go? What Came Out of the CSTO Summit in Yerevan? What is the Level of Trust between the CSTO and Armenia? How should Armenian proceed in Relations with the CSTO? Does Armenia have Alternatives?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/180/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/179-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-economy-negotiations-french-senate-slams-azerbaijan-opposition-parliament/Sun, 20 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/179-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-economy-negotiations-french-senate-slams-azerbaijan-opposition-parliament/<h2 id="how-is-armenias-economy-doing">How is Armenia’s Economy Doing?</h2> <h3 id="tiger-economy">Tiger Economy?</h3> <p>Armenia’s economy is “<a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1096252.html">raging forward</a>”, <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1096252.html">according to Pashinyan</a>. Based on statistics from the first 9 months of 2022, Armenia recorded a <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095622.html">14.1%</a> growth in the economy, which is ahead of the <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1096204.html">10%</a> inflation the country is predicted to experience in 2022. Pashinyan also touted <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1096258.html">143,000 new jobs</a> created in Armenia since he took power in 2018, and a <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1096257.html">75.1%</a> increase in state budget revenues from 2018 to his projected 2023 budget.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/179-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-economy-negotiations-french-senate-slams-azerbaijan-opposition-parliament/Sun, 20 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/179-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-economy-negotiations-french-senate-slams-azerbaijan-opposition-parliament/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>How is Armenia&rsquo;s Economy Doing? Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations. French Senate Slams Azerbaijani Occupation of Armenia. The Opposition Returns to Parliament.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/179/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/178-november-10-perspective-from-artsakh-two-years-later/Mon, 14 Nov 2022 04:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/178-november-10-perspective-from-artsakh-two-years-later/<h2 id="november-10-two-years-later-from-stepanakert">November 10, Two Years Later from Stepanakert</h2> <p>We’re here to learn how it feels to be in Artsakh, two years after the November 2020 trilateral statement.</p> <ul> <li>How are Artsakh citizens processing what has transpired over the last two years since the trilateral statement of Nov 9/10?</li> <li>Have refugees for the most part returned to their homes, where possible? Are refugees from Hadrut for instance in Stepanakert or in Armenia?</li> <li>How has Artsakh’s economy evolved since the end of the war? How are people earning their income?</li> </ul> <p>Two weeks ago the Renaissance Square in Stepanakert was full with a sea of people, over a third of the population of all of Artsakh, who once again told the world that they’re not going to be subjects of geopolitical barters, that their rights of self-determination and to be part of the Armenian nation, to live on their historic land, are inalienable.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/178-november-10-perspective-from-artsakh-two-years-later/Mon, 14 Nov 2022 04:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/178-november-10-perspective-from-artsakh-two-years-later/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>November 10 as perceived by Artsakhtsis. Update on the status of refugees. Update on the economy of Artsakh. Rally at the Renaissance Square. Generating and communicating support for Artsakh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/178/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/177-arthur-khachikyan-gev-iskajyan-the-nov-10-statement-two-years-on/Mon, 14 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/177-arthur-khachikyan-gev-iskajyan-the-nov-10-statement-two-years-on/<h2 id="a-nov-10-retrospective-from-yerevan">A Nov 10 retrospective from Yerevan</h2> <p>Arthur, as a diasporan who is currently in Yerevan, what does the Nov. 9/10 2020, trilateral statement mean to you?</p> <ul> <li>Now putting your analyst hat on, can you briefly explain what Armenians did wrong in leading up to the war, and perhaps during the war itself?</li> <li>Was it a winnable war?</li> </ul> <p>The Armenian political scene is dominated by reverberations from that war. Whether it is the Feb. 2021 demands for Pashinyan’s resignation by the general chief of staff, the elections in June 2021, the hectic search for historic maps of the region to see just when did those Azeri enclaves appear inside Armenia, the statements from Armenia’s leaders that we actually haven’t been arming the army for 2 years, that somehow the Armenians of Artsakh are different kinds of Armenians who should negotiate their own fate with Baku without guarantees or support from Armenia proper. The invasions of May ‘21, Nov. ‘21, and the horrendous war of September 2022, the bloodiest fighting since the “official” end of hostilities two years ago, where more than 200 Armenian souls perished.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/177-arthur-khachikyan-gev-iskajyan-the-nov-10-statement-two-years-on/Mon, 14 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/177-arthur-khachikyan-gev-iskajyan-the-nov-10-statement-two-years-on/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>November 10 &ldquo;Ceasefire&rdquo;. We’ll talk with our guests in Yerevan and Stepanakert about their perceptions of where we are in terms of ceasing fire, two years later. The Peace is Dead, Long Live the Peace. We’ll talk about increased war rhetoric from Azerbaijan, threatening Armenia, Russia, Iran, and anyone else who comes to Armenia’s aid. With the pressure increasing and Aliyev’s two-month deadline approaching, we’ll investigate the possibility of renewed war.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/176-harut-sassounian-hyeid-diaspora-armenian-parliament/Sun, 13 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/176-harut-sassounian-hyeid-diaspora-armenian-parliament/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <ul> <li>What is the purpose of issuing HyelD cards? What are they for?</li> <li>Why did you initiate this project? What is the purpose?</li> <li>How will community elections take place? Who can vote and who can be a candidate?</li> <li>Does HyelD have a budget? How is it funded?</li> <li>What steps have been taken to disseminate the idea of this project throughout the Diaspora? The Armenian government?</li> <li>What is the current state of the project?</li> </ul> <p>Website: <a href="https://www.hyeid.org/en/">HyeID.org</a></p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/176-harut-sassounian-hyeid-diaspora-armenian-parliament/Sun, 13 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/176-harut-sassounian-hyeid-diaspora-armenian-parliament/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>What is HyeID, what problems is it trying to address? Organizations and models for Diaspora representation. Funding and operations. Outreach to the Diaspora and the Armenian government. Current State of the project.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/176/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/175-latest-peace-developments-ruben-vardanyan-state-minister-artsakh/Tue, 08 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/175-latest-peace-developments-ruben-vardanyan-state-minister-artsakh/<h2 id="latest-peace-developments">Latest “Peace” Developments</h2> <p>After the negotiations and subsequent declaration in Sochi, last week negotiations and interaction around the so called “Peace” treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan continued apace. The committees on border delimitation, which the sides have committed to complete in time for signing of the treaty, met in Brussels. Meanwhile, Bayramov and Mirzoyan flew to Washington DC to hold a meeting under the auspices of the US state dept.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/175-latest-peace-developments-ruben-vardanyan-state-minister-artsakh/Tue, 08 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/175-latest-peace-developments-ruben-vardanyan-state-minister-artsakh/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Latest &ldquo;Peace&rdquo; Developments. Border Delimitation Discussions in Brussels. Meeting of the Foreign Ministers in DC. Bellicose Statements Between Azerbaijan and Iran. Ruben Vardanyan Takes Over as State Minister of Artsakh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/175/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/174-arthur-khachatryan-resistance-movement-and-the-sullivan-plan/Thu, 03 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/174-arthur-khachatryan-resistance-movement-and-the-sullivan-plan/<h2 id="stepanakert-rally">Stepanakert Rally</h2> <p>A day prior to the meeting, on October 30, tens of thousands of people gathered in Stepanakert’s Renaissance Square.</p> <ul> <li>What was the objective of the rally and was it achieved?</li> </ul> <p>One of the calls heard from Renaissance Square, was an appeal to the Russian Federation to continue its endeavor to ensure security of the Artsakhtsis.</p> <ul> <li>How much hope is there given the recent declaration in Sochi?</li> </ul> <h2 id="sullivan-plan-vs-putins-plan">Sullivan Plan vs. Putin’s Plan</h2> <p>In the analyst community it is common belief that there are two competing plans for signing a so-called “peace treaty” between Armenia and Azerbaijan.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/174-arthur-khachatryan-resistance-movement-and-the-sullivan-plan/Thu, 03 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/174-arthur-khachatryan-resistance-movement-and-the-sullivan-plan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Massive Stepanakert Rally. Sullivan Plan vs. Russian Plan. Upcoming Protest on November 5.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/174/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/173-benyamin-poghosyan-stepanakert-rally-sullivan-plan-csto-sochi-tehran/Wed, 02 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/173-benyamin-poghosyan-stepanakert-rally-sullivan-plan-csto-sochi-tehran/<h2 id="stepanakert-rally">Stepanakert Rally</h2> <p>On Sunday, in the lead-up to the October 31 meeting in Sochi, and while Artsakh president Arayik Harutyunyan was also in Moscow, there was probably the largest demonstration <a href="https://asbarez.com/artsakh-rises-up-tens-of-thousands-take-to-streets-to-reject-attempts-to-undermine-artsakhs-sovereignty/">rally in Stepanakert</a> since the independence movement began in 1988, an estimated 40,000 Artsakh citizens flooded the main city square to demand that Artsakh’s independence and sovereignty not be compromised through any deals that the government of Armenia signs with Azerbaijan.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/173-benyamin-poghosyan-stepanakert-rally-sullivan-plan-csto-sochi-tehran/Wed, 02 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/173-benyamin-poghosyan-stepanakert-rally-sullivan-plan-csto-sochi-tehran/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Massive Stepanakert Rally. The Sullivan Plan. CSTO Security Council Convened. Trilateral Summit in Sochi. From Sochi to Tehran.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/173/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/172-harut-sassounian-the-global-armenian-summit/Sun, 30 Oct 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/172-harut-sassounian-the-global-armenian-summit/<h2 id="overview">Overview</h2> <p>Over the course of this weekend and until Monday, there’s this <a href="https://globalarmeniansummit.am/en">Global Armenian Summit</a> conference in progress in Yerevan. The event is organized by the office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, and invitations went out a few months ago. Reportedly there are 600 attendees <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095970.html">according</a> to Armenpress, but probably taken from the conference website.</p> <h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="global-armenian-summit">Global Armenian Summit</h3> <ul> <li>What is the background of Armenia-Diaspora relations against which this conference is taking place?</li> <li>Why did the government need this event right now?</li> <li>Diaspora parties or organizations don’t seem to be present at the event.</li> <li>Who’s attending, in order to bill the event a “Summit”?</li> <li>Pashinyan’s <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095973.html">address</a> at the conference.</li> <li>Arayik Harutyunyan’s <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095977.html">address</a> at the conference.</li> </ul> <h2 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h2> <p>We hope you found our [Conversations on Groong] (/series/cog/) helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can find us on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/172-harut-sassounian-the-global-armenian-summit/Sun, 30 Oct 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/172-harut-sassounian-the-global-armenian-summit/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>What is the background of Armenia-Diaspora relations against which this conference is taking place? Why did the government need this event right now, and is this the right time? Who was invited, who was not? Why?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/172/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/171-arthur-khachikyan-yeghia-tashjian-monitors-russia-west-iran-armenia-relations-lebanon/Sun, 23 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/171-arthur-khachikyan-yeghia-tashjian-monitors-russia-west-iran-armenia-relations-lebanon/<h2 id="monitors-in-armenia">Monitors in Armenia</h2> <p>A couple of weeks ago we were talking with Benyamin Poghosyan, and in his scenarios for securing the safety of Armenia, he recommended that Armenia needs to negotiate for indefinite, or at least prolonged, monitoring missions, CSTO troops, or whoever’s able to cause a dampening of Azerbaijan’s attacks on our borders.</p> <p>It seems that Armenia is indeed negotiating for international monitors, EU, OSCE, CSTO, any presence, even civilian missions, at this stage of the negotiations with Azerbaijan, with Aliyev’s deadline of Dec. 2022 to get an agreement signed, looming on the horizon. We are explicitly avoiding calling the process with Azerbaijan a “peace agreement” because there can be no peace signed with a gun pointed to your head, no matter what Pashinyan wants to call it.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/171-arthur-khachikyan-yeghia-tashjian-monitors-russia-west-iran-armenia-relations-lebanon/Sun, 23 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/171-arthur-khachikyan-yeghia-tashjian-monitors-russia-west-iran-armenia-relations-lebanon/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Monitors in Armenia. Russia-West Rivalry in the South Caucasus. Armenian-Iranian Relations. Maritime Agreement between Israel and Lebanon. State of Lebanon’s Presidential Election.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/171/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/170-ardy-kassakhian-adrin-nazarian-the-la-city-council-scandal-ep-no-170-oct-21-2022/Fri, 21 Oct 2022 16:58:34 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/170-ardy-kassakhian-adrin-nazarian-the-la-city-council-scandal-ep-no-170-oct-21-2022/<h1 id="the-la-city-council-scandal">The LA City Council Scandal</h1> <p>Over the past month Los Angeles politics were wracked by a <a href="https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/23404926/los-angeles-city-council-racist-recording-scandal-explained">scandal</a> that followed the Los Angeles Times leaking a secretly recorded audio tape of a meeting between LA City council members, during which a few of them made racist comments aimed at various LA communities. The paywalled LA Times article is <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-10-09/city-council-leaked-audio-nury-martinez-kevin-de-leon-gil-cedillo">here</a>. Armenian-related parts of the audio are <a href="https://twitter.com/knockdotla/status/1579511891877310466?s=46&amp;t=cXdt8UNoYEyGuS_cS1IWaQ">here</a>, but you should listen to the whole thing.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/170-ardy-kassakhian-adrin-nazarian-the-la-city-council-scandal-ep-no-170-oct-21-2022/Fri, 21 Oct 2022 16:58:34 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/170-ardy-kassakhian-adrin-nazarian-the-la-city-council-scandal-ep-no-170-oct-21-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>On the LA City Council scandal and how to move forward. On Paul Krekorian, elected LA City Council president. On redistricting in the aftermath of the scandal. On the effect of the scandal on the LA mayoral race. On Armenia&rsquo;s Situation in the South Caucasus.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/170/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/169-2022-census-astana-iran-cyber-attack-remembering-tsor-unit-ep-169-oct-16-2022/Mon, 17 Oct 2022 20:24:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/169-2022-census-astana-iran-cyber-attack-remembering-tsor-unit-ep-169-oct-16-2022/<h2 id="census-in-progress-in-armenia">Census In Progress in Armenia</h2> <p>The third decennial post-Soviet census is currently <a href="https://www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/blogs/83781/posts/56648">in progress</a> in Armenia, and there’s been so little public advertising and information about it that almost nobody is thinking about it. Awareness and support of the census is, of course, a major factor in its success and the ultimate quality of its data.</p> <p>The census is being actively conducted from October 13 to 23, and our guest is a close follower of it.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/169-2022-census-astana-iran-cyber-attack-remembering-tsor-unit-ep-169-oct-16-2022/Mon, 17 Oct 2022 20:24:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/169-2022-census-astana-iran-cyber-attack-remembering-tsor-unit-ep-169-oct-16-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Census in progress in Armenia. Meetings in Astana. Developments in Iran. Armenian websites compromised. Remembering the TsOR artillery unit.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/169/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/168-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-negotiations-tactics-and-goals/Fri, 14 Oct 2022 18:28:51 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/168-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-negotiations-tactics-and-goals/<h1 id="armenia-azerbaijan-peace-negotiations-tactics-and-goals">Armenia-Azerbaijan “Peace Negotiations” Tactics and Goals</h1> <h2 id="overview">Overview</h2> <p>Since the end of the 44-day war Benyamin has advised caution to Armenia’s leadership in negotiating for a so-called “peace” with Azerbaijan, and that any final agreement that leaves out Nagorno Karabakh means that ultimately it will be depopulated of Armenians.</p> <h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <p>Benyamin, on Monday we discussed last week&rsquo;s geopolitical issues and something stuck in my mind, so that is why we’re back to discuss this one topic today.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/168-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-negotiations-tactics-and-goals/Fri, 14 Oct 2022 18:28:51 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/168-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-negotiations-tactics-and-goals/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Goals and Tactics of Azerbaijan&rsquo;s Negotiations. How did &ldquo;Corridors&rdquo; Become a Thing? Russia&rsquo;s Contributions to the process. Options and Scenarios Going Forwards.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/168/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/167-benyamin-poghosyan-meetings-in-prague-pashinyan-consolidating-power-personal-rants/Tue, 11 Oct 2022 01:34:13 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/167-benyamin-poghosyan-meetings-in-prague-pashinyan-consolidating-power-personal-rants/<h2 id="prague">Prague</h2> <p>The first meeting of the European Political Community took place in the Czech capital Prague on Thursday. On the sidelines of this meeting, Pashinyan met with Turkish president Erdogan, which was a first for them. Pashinyan also met with Azerbaijan’s president Aliyev separately and then also in a 4-way meeting in the presence of EU co-president Charles Michel and French president Macron.</p> <ul> <li>What is the “European Political Community” meeting?</li> </ul> <h3 id="meeting-with-erdogan">Meeting with Erdogan</h3> <p>Pashinyan’s meeting with Erdogan was relatively quick, and both leaders reported that they confirmed their desire to swiftly implement the agreements reached by the two special reps of Turkey and Armenia for the so-called Normalization process. At this point that means opening the borders for cargo by air, and land border crossings for citizens of third countries.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/167-benyamin-poghosyan-meetings-in-prague-pashinyan-consolidating-power-personal-rants/Tue, 11 Oct 2022 01:34:13 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/167-benyamin-poghosyan-meetings-in-prague-pashinyan-consolidating-power-personal-rants/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Meetings in Prague. Pashinyan Consolidating Power. Personal Rants.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/167/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/166-armenian-news-network-groong-week-in-review-oct-2-2022/Tue, 04 Oct 2022 17:25:20 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/166-armenian-news-network-groong-week-in-review-oct-2-2022/<h2 id="us---armenia-relations">US - Armenia Relations</h2> <p><strong><em>Segment with Aram Suren Hamparian (Recorded: 10/01/2022)</em></strong></p> <p>Over the past weeks, we have seen an unprecedented intensification of contacts Between Armenia and the West, specifically the United States. First, earlier in September, Suren Papikyan made a much-publicized trip to the States, even though at the time it seemed that the trip wasn’t very successful since he didn’t even manage to meet his counterpart, the Secretary of Defense.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/166-armenian-news-network-groong-week-in-review-oct-2-2022/Tue, 04 Oct 2022 17:25:20 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/166-armenian-news-network-groong-week-in-review-oct-2-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>US-Armenia Relations. Azerbaijan&rsquo;s Maps and Claims. Azerbaijan Continues to Occupy Armenia. Internal Politics in Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/166/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/165-azerbaijani-aggression-facts-and-analysis-nancy-pelosi-ep-165-sep-18-2022/Mon, 19 Sep 2022 02:33:34 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/165-azerbaijani-aggression-facts-and-analysis-nancy-pelosi-ep-165-sep-18-2022/<h2 id="azerbaijani-aggression">Azerbaijani Aggression</h2> <p>On the morning of September 13, 2022, shortly past midnight, Azerbaijani armed forces began a full-scale offensive against the entire border between three Armenian marzes (Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor, and Syunik). The intensity of the fighting was equivalent to that of the 44-day war with Azerbaijan.</p> <p>As of Saturday, September 17, there are at least 135 deaths on the Armenian side, while Azerbaijan claims 79 dead. The attack was accompanied with war crimes including attacking civilian areas, killing of civilians, as well as horrendous rape and mutilation of female Armenian service members, all broadcast on the internet by Azerbaijani forces for the world to see.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/165-azerbaijani-aggression-facts-and-analysis-nancy-pelosi-ep-165-sep-18-2022/Mon, 19 Sep 2022 02:33:34 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/165-azerbaijani-aggression-facts-and-analysis-nancy-pelosi-ep-165-sep-18-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijani Aggression. Russia and CSTO. UN &amp; International Reaction. War Communications (with Karen Vrtanesyan). Nancy Pelosi&rsquo;s Visit (with Suren Sargsyan).</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/165/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/164-vahram-ter-matevosyan-from-revolution-to-war-ep-164-sep-12-2022/Mon, 12 Sep 2022 23:52:05 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/164-vahram-ter-matevosyan-from-revolution-to-war-ep-164-sep-12-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/164-vahram-ter-matevosyan-from-revolution-to-war-ep-164-sep-12-2022/Mon, 12 Sep 2022 23:52:05 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/164-vahram-ter-matevosyan-from-revolution-to-war-ep-164-sep-12-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Opening (00:00:00). Introduction (00. TURKEY (00. Have you looked at this aspect of Armenia&rsquo;s foreign policy? What did Pashinyan&rsquo;s team do (or perhaps didn&rsquo;t do) in this area to accurately assess the risk of intervention from Turkey and to put mitigations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/164/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/163-mpg-and-iri-polls-armenian-economy-us-armenia-relations-geopolitics-ep-163-sep-11-2022/Mon, 12 Sep 2022 23:05:30 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/163-mpg-and-iri-polls-armenian-economy-us-armenia-relations-geopolitics-ep-163-sep-11-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/163-mpg-and-iri-polls-armenian-economy-us-armenia-relations-geopolitics-ep-163-sep-11-2022/Mon, 12 Sep 2022 23:05:30 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/163-mpg-and-iri-polls-armenian-economy-us-armenia-relations-geopolitics-ep-163-sep-11-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Latest MPG and IRI Poll Results. What&rsquo;s Up with the Armenian Economy? US Armenia Relations. Geopolitical Developments.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/163/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/162-artsakh-independence-diplomacy-normalization-with-turkey-gorbachev-ep-162-sep-4-2022/Tue, 06 Sep 2022 00:24:07 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/162-artsakh-independence-diplomacy-normalization-with-turkey-gorbachev-ep-162-sep-4-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/162-artsakh-independence-diplomacy-normalization-with-turkey-gorbachev-ep-162-sep-4-2022/Tue, 06 Sep 2022 00:24:07 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/162-artsakh-independence-diplomacy-normalization-with-turkey-gorbachev-ep-162-sep-4-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>September 2: Artsakh Independence Day. September 2 is a public holiday commemorating the day 31 years ago when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic declared independence from the USSR. Before. Developments in Geopolitics. There were two major meetings this week between Armenia and Azerbaijan. On August 30, the deputy PMs met in Moscow, then on August 31, Pashinyan. &ldquo;Normalization&rdquo; with Turkey.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/162/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/161-anna-abrahamian-the-opposition-must-impeach-ep-161-aug-29-2022/Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:43:36 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/161-anna-abrahamian-the-opposition-must-impeach-ep-161-aug-29-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/161-anna-abrahamian-the-opposition-must-impeach-ep-161-aug-29-2022/Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:43:36 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/161-anna-abrahamian-the-opposition-must-impeach-ep-161-aug-29-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Conversation with Anna Abrahamian. In the spring and summer of 2022 the Armenian parliamentary opposition was in the streets of Yerevan in large numbers, with a goal to remove the de-facto prime minister of. Especially as we near the end of August and the protests are set to restart, we&rsquo;re analyzing what didn&rsquo;t work, and how to take more effective steps forward. We want to look at.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/161/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/160-arthur-khachikyan-opposition-restart-berdzor-aghavno-peace-plan-military-service-avoidance-law/Sun, 28 Aug 2022 17:40:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/160-arthur-khachikyan-opposition-restart-berdzor-aghavno-peace-plan-military-service-avoidance-law/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/160-arthur-khachikyan-opposition-restart-berdzor-aghavno-peace-plan-military-service-avoidance-law/Sun, 28 Aug 2022 17:40:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/160-arthur-khachikyan-opposition-restart-berdzor-aghavno-peace-plan-military-service-avoidance-law/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Opposition movement restarts. Berdzor &amp; Aghavno handover. &ldquo;Peace Plan&rdquo; coming? Newly proposed military service avoidance law.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/160/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/159-edgar-ghazaryan-ep-159-aug-26-2022/Fri, 26 Aug 2022 13:47:58 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/159-edgar-ghazaryan-ep-159-aug-26-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/159-edgar-ghazaryan-ep-159-aug-26-2022/Fri, 26 Aug 2022 13:47:58 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/159-edgar-ghazaryan-ep-159-aug-26-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The State of Armenian Politics with Edgar Ghazaryan. Hovik Manucharyan. Asbed Bedrossian.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/159/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/158-aram-hamparian--aid-to-nagorno-karabakh-effectively-blocked/Thu, 25 Aug 2022 08:58:41 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/158-aram-hamparian--aid-to-nagorno-karabakh-effectively-blocked/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/158-aram-hamparian--aid-to-nagorno-karabakh-effectively-blocked/Thu, 25 Aug 2022 08:58:41 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/158-aram-hamparian--aid-to-nagorno-karabakh-effectively-blocked/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Has Called on Congress to Investigate the Biden Administration&rsquo;s Artsakh Aid Blockade. The Biden Administration&rsquo;s Record on Armenian-Backed Resolutions.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/158/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/157-august-23-declaration-of-independence-of-the-republic-of-armenia-ep-157-aug-23-2022/Wed, 24 Aug 2022 19:56:05 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/157-august-23-declaration-of-independence-of-the-republic-of-armenia-ep-157-aug-23-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/157-august-23-declaration-of-independence-of-the-republic-of-armenia-ep-157-aug-23-2022/Wed, 24 Aug 2022 19:56:05 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/157-august-23-declaration-of-independence-of-the-republic-of-armenia-ep-157-aug-23-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>On August 23, 1990 the Supreme Council of the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic proclaimed Armenia as independent. True, Armenia officially celebrates independence day on September 21, due to the referendum which was held on Sep 21 1991, the following year. But for me, the date of August 23. For it is this document comprised of 12 articles that form the basis for all laws in Armenia and for the constitution itself. From the need to establish historic justice,.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/156-benyamin-poghosyan-surmalu-blast-foreign-relations-resistance-movement/Mon, 22 Aug 2022 18:49:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/156-benyamin-poghosyan-surmalu-blast-foreign-relations-resistance-movement/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/156-benyamin-poghosyan-surmalu-blast-foreign-relations-resistance-movement/Mon, 22 Aug 2022 18:49:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/156-benyamin-poghosyan-surmalu-blast-foreign-relations-resistance-movement/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Surmalu Blast. What happened in Surmalu market? Why did Pashinyan jump the gun to declare that it&rsquo;s not terrorism? Russian note of protest on anti-Russian sentiments in information sphere. A mayoral campaign in the midst of tragedy?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/156/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/155-armenia-s-economy-in-2022-part-2-bank-secrecy-cashless-transactions-ep-155-august-12-2022/Thu, 11 Aug 2022 17:44:42 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/155-armenia-s-economy-in-2022-part-2-bank-secrecy-cashless-transactions-ep-155-august-12-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/155-armenia-s-economy-in-2022-part-2-bank-secrecy-cashless-transactions-ep-155-august-12-2022/Thu, 11 Aug 2022 17:44:42 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/155-armenia-s-economy-in-2022-part-2-bank-secrecy-cashless-transactions-ep-155-august-12-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Bank Secrecy Legislation. Cashless Transactions. Explaining Economic &ldquo;Paradox&rdquo;.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/155/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/154-armenia-s-economy-in-2022-part1-inflation-fiscal-policy-monetary-policy-ep-154-august-11-2022/Thu, 11 Aug 2022 17:15:33 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/154-armenia-s-economy-in-2022-part1-inflation-fiscal-policy-monetary-policy-ep-154-august-11-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/154-armenia-s-economy-in-2022-part1-inflation-fiscal-policy-monetary-policy-ep-154-august-11-2022/Thu, 11 Aug 2022 17:15:33 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/154-armenia-s-economy-in-2022-part1-inflation-fiscal-policy-monetary-policy-ep-154-august-11-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Inflation. Monetary Policies. Fiscal Policies.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/154/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/153-anna-astvatsaturian-turcotte-conversation/Thu, 11 Aug 2022 01:40:53 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/153-anna-astvatsaturian-turcotte-conversation/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/153-anna-astvatsaturian-turcotte-conversation/Thu, 11 Aug 2022 01:40:53 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/153-anna-astvatsaturian-turcotte-conversation/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Talking with Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte | Ep 153 - August 11, 2022. Growing up Armenian in Azerbaijan. Experiencing Armenia as an Armenian from Azerbaijan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/153/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/152-benyamin-poghosyan-azerbaijan-attacks-evacuating-berdzor-aghavno-chalabyan-rearrested/Tue, 09 Aug 2022 01:14:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/152-benyamin-poghosyan-azerbaijan-attacks-evacuating-berdzor-aghavno-chalabyan-rearrested/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/152-benyamin-poghosyan-azerbaijan-attacks-evacuating-berdzor-aghavno-chalabyan-rearrested/Tue, 09 Aug 2022 01:14:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/152-benyamin-poghosyan-azerbaijan-attacks-evacuating-berdzor-aghavno-chalabyan-rearrested/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijan Attacks Artsakh Again. Armenian &amp; Artsakh Authorities Evacuating Berdzor &amp; Aghavno Population. Avetik Chalabyan Re-arrested.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/152/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/151-live-from-aghavno-with-alison-tahmizian-meuse-ep-151-aug-7-2022/Sun, 07 Aug 2022 18:19:31 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/151-live-from-aghavno-with-alison-tahmizian-meuse-ep-151-aug-7-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/151-live-from-aghavno-with-alison-tahmizian-meuse-ep-151-aug-7-2022/Sun, 07 Aug 2022 18:19:31 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/151-live-from-aghavno-with-alison-tahmizian-meuse-ep-151-aug-7-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This is a live recording of our Twitter Spaces discussion from August 7, 2022 with Alison Tahmizian Meuse who joined us from Aghavno. The situation in Berdzor/Aghavno is quite concerning as residents were told to vacate their homes, their town and their homeland by August 25. Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/151/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/150-the-situation-around-berdzor-armenian-ep-150-aug-7-2022/Sun, 07 Aug 2022 15:41:25 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/150-the-situation-around-berdzor-armenian-ep-150-aug-7-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/150-the-situation-around-berdzor-armenian-ep-150-aug-7-2022/Sun, 07 Aug 2022 15:41:25 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/150-the-situation-around-berdzor-armenian-ep-150-aug-7-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Situation Around Berdzor with Hakob Hakobyan and Davit Galstyan. Hakob Hakobyan, co-chair of the Artsakh Justice Party. David Galstyan(/guest/dgalstyan), leader of the Justice faction in the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh. Ô´Õ¡Õ¾Õ«Õ© Ô³Õ¡Õ¬Õ½Õ¿ÕµÕ¡Õ¶, Արցախի.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/150/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/149-tehran-2022-normalization-or-pax-turkiana-eu-azerbaijan-gas-deal-diaspora-personae-non-grata-ep-149-july-31-2022/Tue, 02 Aug 2022 00:43:54 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/149-tehran-2022-normalization-or-pax-turkiana-eu-azerbaijan-gas-deal-diaspora-personae-non-grata-ep-149-july-31-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/149-tehran-2022-normalization-or-pax-turkiana-eu-azerbaijan-gas-deal-diaspora-personae-non-grata-ep-149-july-31-2022/Tue, 02 Aug 2022 00:43:54 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/149-tehran-2022-normalization-or-pax-turkiana-eu-azerbaijan-gas-deal-diaspora-personae-non-grata-ep-149-july-31-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Tehran 2022 Trilateral Summit. &ldquo;Normalization&rdquo; or Pax Turkiana? EU - Azerbaijan gas deal. Diaspora Personae Non-Grata.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/149/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/148-spy-chiefs-in-yerevan-armen-grigoryan-dies-in-court-mourad-papazian-banned-am-az-fms-meet-ep-148-july-17-2022/Wed, 20 Jul 2022 01:50:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/148-spy-chiefs-in-yerevan-armen-grigoryan-dies-in-court-mourad-papazian-banned-am-az-fms-meet-ep-148-july-17-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/148-spy-chiefs-in-yerevan-armen-grigoryan-dies-in-court-mourad-papazian-banned-am-az-fms-meet-ep-148-july-17-2022/Wed, 20 Jul 2022 01:50:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/148-spy-chiefs-in-yerevan-armen-grigoryan-dies-in-court-mourad-papazian-banned-am-az-fms-meet-ep-148-july-17-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>CIA Chief in Armenia. Army Chief Appointed. Armen Grigoryan Dies in Court. Mourad Papazian is Denied Entry in Armenia. Bayramov and Mirzoyan in Tbilisi.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/148/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/147-a-conversation-with-ardashes-ardy-kassakhian-ep-147-july-14-2022/Thu, 14 Jul 2022 15:58:45 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/147-a-conversation-with-ardashes-ardy-kassakhian-ep-147-july-14-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/147-a-conversation-with-ardashes-ardy-kassakhian-ep-147-july-14-2022/Thu, 14 Jul 2022 15:58:45 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/147-a-conversation-with-ardashes-ardy-kassakhian-ep-147-july-14-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Mayor and Councilman of Glendale. June 2022 Elections. US National Politics. Armenian-American Political Advocacy. Turkish-Armenian &ldquo;Normalization&rdquo;.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/147/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/146-developments-in-regional-geopolitics-and-censorship-laws-ep-146-july-10-2022/Tue, 12 Jul 2022 02:17:08 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/146-developments-in-regional-geopolitics-and-censorship-laws-ep-146-july-10-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/146-developments-in-regional-geopolitics-and-censorship-laws-ep-146-july-10-2022/Tue, 12 Jul 2022 02:17:08 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/146-developments-in-regional-geopolitics-and-censorship-laws-ep-146-july-10-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Developments in the Regional Geopolitics. Watch your Internets!</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/146/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/145-the-armenian-diaspora-survey-sedda-antekelian-and-gegham-mughnetsyan-ep-145-july-9-2022/Sun, 10 Jul 2022 00:13:55 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/145-the-armenian-diaspora-survey-sedda-antekelian-and-gegham-mughnetsyan-ep-145-july-9-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/145-the-armenian-diaspora-survey-sedda-antekelian-and-gegham-mughnetsyan-ep-145-july-9-2022/Sun, 10 Jul 2022 00:13:55 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/145-the-armenian-diaspora-survey-sedda-antekelian-and-gegham-mughnetsyan-ep-145-july-9-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>What is the ArmenianDiasporaSurvey.com? Survey Resources. Survey Objectives and Benefits. Why Diaspora Armenians should take the Survey.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/145/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/144-osce-mg-aparan-murders-vanetsyan-resigns-jhangiryan-doesn-t-ep-144-jun-26-2022/Tue, 28 Jun 2022 10:35:41 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/144-osce-mg-aparan-murders-vanetsyan-resigns-jhangiryan-doesn-t-ep-144-jun-26-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/144-osce-mg-aparan-murders-vanetsyan-resigns-jhangiryan-doesn-t-ep-144-jun-26-2022/Tue, 28 Jun 2022 10:35:41 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/144-osce-mg-aparan-murders-vanetsyan-resigns-jhangiryan-doesn-t-ep-144-jun-26-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Who killed the OSCE Minsk Group? Murders in Aparan. Arthur Vanetsyan Resigns from Parliament. Gagik Jhangiryan in the Line of Fire.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/144/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/143-did-opp-blink-sjc-scandal-more-peace-talks-more-border-shootings-ep-143-jun-19-2022/Tue, 21 Jun 2022 02:48:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/143-did-opp-blink-sjc-scandal-more-peace-talks-more-border-shootings-ep-143-jun-19-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/143-did-opp-blink-sjc-scandal-more-peace-talks-more-border-shootings-ep-143-jun-19-2022/Tue, 21 Jun 2022 02:48:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/143-did-opp-blink-sjc-scandal-more-peace-talks-more-border-shootings-ep-143-jun-19-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Did the Opposition Blink? What will happen to the Yerevan protests? Scandal in the Supreme Judicial Council involving Gagik Jhangiryan (SJC). More Artsakh &ldquo;Peace&rdquo; Talks, More Border Shootings.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/143/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/142-opposition-activates-politics-revising-lavrov-war-dividends-caucasus-barometer-survey-ep-142-jun-12-2022/Tue, 14 Jun 2022 03:19:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/142-opposition-activates-politics-revising-lavrov-war-dividends-caucasus-barometer-survey-ep-142-jun-12-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/142-opposition-activates-politics-revising-lavrov-war-dividends-caucasus-barometer-survey-ep-142-jun-12-2022/Tue, 14 Jun 2022 03:19:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/142-opposition-activates-politics-revising-lavrov-war-dividends-caucasus-barometer-survey-ep-142-jun-12-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Opposition Activates Politics. Russia Revises Lavrov&rsquo;s Parukh Response. War Dividends. Caucasus Barometer Survey Takeaways.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/142/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/141-yerevan-protests-grow-artsakh-negotiations-new-mpg-results-ep-141-jun-5-2022/Tue, 07 Jun 2022 17:33:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/141-yerevan-protests-grow-artsakh-negotiations-new-mpg-results-ep-141-jun-5-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/141-yerevan-protests-grow-artsakh-negotiations-new-mpg-results-ep-141-jun-5-2022/Tue, 07 Jun 2022 17:33:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/141-yerevan-protests-grow-artsakh-negotiations-new-mpg-results-ep-141-jun-5-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Yerevan Protests Continue. State of Negotiations on Artsakh. MPG Gallup Poll Results.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/141/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/140-russia-geopolitics-armenia-russia-rels-israeli-and-armenia-ep-140-may-29-2022/Wed, 01 Jun 2022 04:28:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/140-russia-geopolitics-armenia-russia-rels-israeli-and-armenia-ep-140-may-29-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/140-russia-geopolitics-armenia-russia-rels-israeli-and-armenia-ep-140-may-29-2022/Wed, 01 Jun 2022 04:28:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/140-russia-geopolitics-armenia-russia-rels-israeli-and-armenia-ep-140-may-29-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Russia&rsquo;s Geopolitics. Armenia-Russia Relations. Israeli Interests and Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/140/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/139-negotiations-continue-opposition-protests-continue-iran-armenia-relations-osce-leaders-meet-ep-139-may-22-2022/Tue, 24 May 2022 07:14:38 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/139-negotiations-continue-opposition-protests-continue-iran-armenia-relations-osce-leaders-meet-ep-139-may-22-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/139-negotiations-continue-opposition-protests-continue-iran-armenia-relations-osce-leaders-meet-ep-139-may-22-2022/Tue, 24 May 2022 07:14:38 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/139-negotiations-continue-opposition-protests-continue-iran-armenia-relations-osce-leaders-meet-ep-139-may-22-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>&ldquo;Agenda of Peace&rdquo; Negotiations Continue. Iran-Armenia Relations. CSTO Leaders Meeting in Moscow. State of the Opposition Protests. Hovik&rsquo;s Rant.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/139/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/138-the-armenian-diaspora-survey-with-hratch-tchilingirian-and-ayda-erbal-ep-138-may-21-2022/Sat, 21 May 2022 14:21:57 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/138-the-armenian-diaspora-survey-with-hratch-tchilingirian-and-ayda-erbal-ep-138-may-21-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/138-the-armenian-diaspora-survey-with-hratch-tchilingirian-and-ayda-erbal-ep-138-may-21-2022/Sat, 21 May 2022 14:21:57 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/138-the-armenian-diaspora-survey-with-hratch-tchilingirian-and-ayda-erbal-ep-138-may-21-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>What is the ArmenianDiasporaSurvey.com? Sponsor and Admin teams. Survey Details. Why Diaspora Armenian should take the Survey.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/138/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/137-yerevan-protests-armenia-responds-to-azerbaijan-lebanon-elections-2022-ep-137-may-15-2022/Tue, 17 May 2022 03:09:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/137-yerevan-protests-armenia-responds-to-azerbaijan-lebanon-elections-2022-ep-137-may-15-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/137-yerevan-protests-armenia-responds-to-azerbaijan-lebanon-elections-2022-ep-137-may-15-2022/Tue, 17 May 2022 03:09:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/137-yerevan-protests-armenia-responds-to-azerbaijan-lebanon-elections-2022-ep-137-may-15-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Continuing opposition protests in Yerevan. Armenia&rsquo;s response to Azerbaijan&rsquo;s 5-point proposal and its own 6-point position. Lebanon&rsquo;s 2022 elections and Armenian community implications.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/137/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/136-anca-advocacy-agenda-2022-with-aram-hamparian-ep-136-may-13-2022/Fri, 13 May 2022 04:31:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/136-anca-advocacy-agenda-2022-with-aram-hamparian-ep-136-may-13-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/136-anca-advocacy-agenda-2022-with-aram-hamparian-ep-136-may-13-2022/Fri, 13 May 2022 04:31:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/136-anca-advocacy-agenda-2022-with-aram-hamparian-ep-136-may-13-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The US/Turkey F-35/F-16 Fallout. US Aid to Armenia and Artsakh. The Armenian Genocide Education Bill. Dr. Oz is Mehmet Oz. The US Election Cycles of 2022 and 2024.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/136/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/135-mass-protests-growing-fm-mirzoyan-in-dc-normalization-round-3-ep-135-may-8-2022/Tue, 10 May 2022 14:48:45 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/135-mass-protests-growing-fm-mirzoyan-in-dc-normalization-round-3-ep-135-may-8-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/135-mass-protests-growing-fm-mirzoyan-in-dc-normalization-round-3-ep-135-may-8-2022/Tue, 10 May 2022 14:48:45 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/135-mass-protests-growing-fm-mirzoyan-in-dc-normalization-round-3-ep-135-may-8-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Mass Protests Growing in Yerevan. FM Mirzoyan in Washington DC. Normalization Round 3.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/135/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/134-peace-agenda-motorcade-accident-civil-disobedience-criminalization-of-insults-upheld-ep-134-may-1-2022/Tue, 03 May 2022 02:57:35 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/134-peace-agenda-motorcade-accident-civil-disobedience-criminalization-of-insults-upheld-ep-134-may-1-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/134-peace-agenda-motorcade-accident-civil-disobedience-criminalization-of-insults-upheld-ep-134-may-1-2022/Tue, 03 May 2022 02:57:35 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/134-peace-agenda-motorcade-accident-civil-disobedience-criminalization-of-insults-upheld-ep-134-may-1-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>&ldquo;Peace Agenda&rdquo; in Motion. It&rsquo;s not the Crime, It&rsquo;s the Cover Up. Opposition Initiates Civil Disobedience. What a Nice PM Armenia Has! 🤥.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/134/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/133-april-24-armenian-genocide-day-aliyev-and-pashinyan-in-brussels-pashinyan-in-moscow-ep-133-apr-24-2022/Tue, 26 Apr 2022 03:26:47 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/133-april-24-armenian-genocide-day-aliyev-and-pashinyan-in-brussels-pashinyan-in-moscow-ep-133-apr-24-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/133-april-24-armenian-genocide-day-aliyev-and-pashinyan-in-brussels-pashinyan-in-moscow-ep-133-apr-24-2022/Tue, 26 Apr 2022 03:26:47 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/133-april-24-armenian-genocide-day-aliyev-and-pashinyan-in-brussels-pashinyan-in-moscow-ep-133-apr-24-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Intro. April 24, Never Forget! Aliyev and Pashinyan in Brussels. Pashinyan in Moscow.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/133/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/132-opposition-brussels-alison-update-war-economy-new-poll-artsakh-ep-132-apr-10-2022/Tue, 12 Apr 2022 15:50:44 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/132-opposition-brussels-alison-update-war-economy-new-poll-artsakh-ep-132-apr-10-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/132-opposition-brussels-alison-update-war-economy-new-poll-artsakh-ep-132-apr-10-2022/Tue, 12 Apr 2022 15:50:44 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/132-opposition-brussels-alison-update-war-economy-new-poll-artsakh-ep-132-apr-10-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Opposition Protests in Yerevan. Buying Bread from a Man in Brussels. Working for the man. War and the Armenian Economic Outlook. New MPG polls on Ukraine, Artsakh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/132/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/131-ukraine-crisis-update-parukh-brussels-moscow-ep-131-apr-3-2022/Mon, 04 Apr 2022 19:26:26 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/131-ukraine-crisis-update-parukh-brussels-moscow-ep-131-apr-3-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/131-ukraine-crisis-update-parukh-brussels-moscow-ep-131-apr-3-2022/Mon, 04 Apr 2022 19:26:26 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/131-ukraine-crisis-update-parukh-brussels-moscow-ep-131-apr-3-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Intro. Ukraine Crisis Update. Parukh - Brussels - Moscow.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/131/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/130-azerbaijan-incursion-into-askeran-artsakh-still-without-gas-pax-azeriana-and-armenia-response-ep-130-mar-27-2022/Mon, 28 Mar 2022 15:04:40 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/130-azerbaijan-incursion-into-askeran-artsakh-still-without-gas-pax-azeriana-and-armenia-response-ep-130-mar-27-2022/<h2 id="azerbaijan-incursion-into-askeran-region">Azerbaijan Incursion into Askeran Region</h2> <p>As we covered last week, Artsakh is still without gas, despite it being restored for less than 3 days last weekend, only to be turned off again. But this week’s problems overshadowed last week’s problems.</p> <p>First, let’s talk about the Azerbaijani armed forces again breaking the November 2020 Agreement, and advancing into Russian peacekeeper-controlled areas of Askeran, in the east of Artsakh. The enemy used Bayraktar drones and heavy artillery in their attacks which killed 3 and injured over 14 Armenians. Azerbaijani forces are reported to have taken the village of Parukh and also partly occupied a nearby strategic height called Karaglukh. Women and children have been evacuated from the nearby village of Khramort. We’ve previously reported that the village of Khramort has been the object of continuous harassment since a month ago, with Azerbaijan threatening the citizens of the village with megaphones (including blasting islamic prayers multiple times a day). There were even reports of actual fighting in that village where there was documented use of mortars by Azerbaijan.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/130-azerbaijan-incursion-into-askeran-artsakh-still-without-gas-pax-azeriana-and-armenia-response-ep-130-mar-27-2022/Mon, 28 Mar 2022 15:04:40 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/130-azerbaijan-incursion-into-askeran-artsakh-still-without-gas-pax-azeriana-and-armenia-response-ep-130-mar-27-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Introduction. Azerbaijan Incursions into Askeran Region. Artsakh Still Without Natural Gas. Pax Azeriana.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/130/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/129-azerbaijan-s-peace-deal-artsakh-gas-cut-off-ukraine-protest-in-yerevan-vardenis-mayoral-issue-resolved-ep-129-mar-20-2022/Mon, 21 Mar 2022 21:51:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/129-azerbaijan-s-peace-deal-artsakh-gas-cut-off-ukraine-protest-in-yerevan-vardenis-mayoral-issue-resolved-ep-129-mar-20-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/129-azerbaijan-s-peace-deal-artsakh-gas-cut-off-ukraine-protest-in-yerevan-vardenis-mayoral-issue-resolved-ep-129-mar-20-2022/Mon, 21 Mar 2022 21:51:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/129-azerbaijan-s-peace-deal-artsakh-gas-cut-off-ukraine-protest-in-yerevan-vardenis-mayoral-issue-resolved-ep-129-mar-20-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijan&rsquo;s &ldquo;Peace&rdquo; Deal. Artsakh Without Natural Gas in Winter. Ukraine Protests in Yerevan. Vardenis Mayoral Issue Resolved.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/129/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/128-renewed-hostilities-in-artsakh-ukraine-fm-arabat-mirzoyan-in-antalya-ep-128-mar-13-2022/Mon, 14 Mar 2022 02:18:33 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/128-renewed-hostilities-in-artsakh-ukraine-fm-arabat-mirzoyan-in-antalya-ep-128-mar-13-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/128-renewed-hostilities-in-artsakh-ukraine-fm-arabat-mirzoyan-in-antalya-ep-128-mar-13-2022/Mon, 14 Mar 2022 02:18:33 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/128-renewed-hostilities-in-artsakh-ukraine-fm-arabat-mirzoyan-in-antalya-ep-128-mar-13-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Renewed Hostilities in Artsakh. Update on Ukraine. FM &ldquo;Arabat&rdquo; Mirzoyan in Antalya.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/128/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/127-the-state-of-armenia-s-economy-a-conversation-with-vache-gabrielyan-ep-127-march-10-2022/Thu, 10 Mar 2022 13:49:23 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/127-the-state-of-armenia-s-economy-a-conversation-with-vache-gabrielyan-ep-127-march-10-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/127-the-state-of-armenia-s-economy-a-conversation-with-vache-gabrielyan-ep-127-march-10-2022/Thu, 10 Mar 2022 13:49:23 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/127-the-state-of-armenia-s-economy-a-conversation-with-vache-gabrielyan-ep-127-march-10-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Risk from the Ukraine War. Pandemic, War and Beyond Economy. Normalization with Turkey and Corridor Economics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/127/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/126-ukraine-dismissing-generals-2nd-normalization-meeting-new-president-ep-126-mar-6-2022/Mon, 07 Mar 2022 02:01:49 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/126-ukraine-dismissing-generals-2nd-normalization-meeting-new-president-ep-126-mar-6-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/126-ukraine-dismissing-generals-2nd-normalization-meeting-new-president-ep-126-mar-6-2022/Mon, 07 Mar 2022 02:01:49 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/126-ukraine-dismissing-generals-2nd-normalization-meeting-new-president-ep-126-mar-6-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Ukraine War and Effects on Armenia. Armenia Shuffles Generals. Second Normalization Meeting. Armenian Parliament Elects New President.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/126/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/125-ukraine-donetsk-luhansk-artsakh-aliyev-in-moscow-euronest-in-yerevan-ep-125-feb-27-2022/Mon, 28 Feb 2022 02:46:24 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/125-ukraine-donetsk-luhansk-artsakh-aliyev-in-moscow-euronest-in-yerevan-ep-125-feb-27-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/125-ukraine-donetsk-luhansk-artsakh-aliyev-in-moscow-euronest-in-yerevan-ep-125-feb-27-2022/Mon, 28 Feb 2022 02:46:24 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/125-ukraine-donetsk-luhansk-artsakh-aliyev-in-moscow-euronest-in-yerevan-ep-125-feb-27-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Developments in the Ukraine Crisis. Donetsk, Luhansk. Artsakh? Aliyev in Moscow. Euronest in Yerevan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/125/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/124-armenia-s-regional-challenges-a-conversation-with-tatev-hayrapetyan-february-26-2022/Sat, 26 Feb 2022 04:13:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/124-armenia-s-regional-challenges-a-conversation-with-tatev-hayrapetyan-february-26-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/124-armenia-s-regional-challenges-a-conversation-with-tatev-hayrapetyan-february-26-2022/Sat, 26 Feb 2022 04:13:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/124-armenia-s-regional-challenges-a-conversation-with-tatev-hayrapetyan-february-26-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Tatev&rsquo;s Background and Entrance into Politics. Armenia Going in the Wrong Direction? Aliyev and his Regime after the 44-Day War. The Shushi and Moscow Agreements. Armenia&rsquo;s Foreign Affairs Establishment.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/124/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/123-pietro-shakarian-roundup-on-the-ukraine-crisis-february-22-2022/Tue, 22 Feb 2022 15:35:52 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/123-pietro-shakarian-roundup-on-the-ukraine-crisis-february-22-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/123-pietro-shakarian-roundup-on-the-ukraine-crisis-february-22-2022/Tue, 22 Feb 2022 15:35:52 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/123-pietro-shakarian-roundup-on-the-ukraine-crisis-february-22-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Why did Putin Recognize Ukraine&rsquo;s Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts as Independent Republics? Is Putin Trying to Recreate the USSR? Is &ldquo;The West&rdquo; a Homogeneous Political Bloc? What are the Objectives of the US?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/123/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/122-2021-shushi-declaration-2021-ep-122-feb-21-2022/Mon, 21 Feb 2022 02:11:05 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/122-2021-shushi-declaration-2021-ep-122-feb-21-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/122-2021-shushi-declaration-2021-ep-122-feb-21-2022/Mon, 21 Feb 2022 02:11:05 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/122-2021-shushi-declaration-2021-ep-122-feb-21-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Fundamental Drivers of the 2nd War in Artsakh. The Armenian Government&rsquo;s Diplomatic and Strategic Failures. The Key Components and Threats of the Shushi Declaration. The Long-term Regional and Geopolitical Goals of Russia and Iran.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/122/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/121-ukraine-azeri-destruction-of-armenian-heritage-artsakh-law-arresting-arayik-iri-results-analyzed-ep-121-feb-20-2022/Sun, 20 Feb 2022 20:49:51 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/121-ukraine-azeri-destruction-of-armenian-heritage-artsakh-law-arresting-arayik-iri-results-analyzed-ep-121-feb-20-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/121-ukraine-azeri-destruction-of-armenian-heritage-artsakh-law-arresting-arayik-iri-results-analyzed-ep-121-feb-20-2022/Sun, 20 Feb 2022 20:49:51 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/121-ukraine-azeri-destruction-of-armenian-heritage-artsakh-law-arresting-arayik-iri-results-analyzed-ep-121-feb-20-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Ukraine: Biden&rsquo;s Tunnel of Crisis. Azeri Commission to Destroy Armenian Heritage. Artsakh Law on Occupied Territories. Azerbaijan Wants to Arrest Artsakh President. IRI Poll Results Revisited.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/121/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/120-political-topics-with-edmon-marukyan-ep-120-feb-18-2022/Fri, 18 Feb 2022 23:02:17 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/120-political-topics-with-edmon-marukyan-ep-120-feb-18-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/120-political-topics-with-edmon-marukyan-ep-120-feb-18-2022/Fri, 18 Feb 2022 23:02:17 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/120-political-topics-with-edmon-marukyan-ep-120-feb-18-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Constitutional Change Commission. Artsakh Law on Occupied Territories. State of Bright Armenia Party. Turkish-Armenian Normalization.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/120/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/119-cost-of-pows-war-commission-degrading-norms-of-democracy-lukashenko-latest-mpg-ep-119-feb-13-2022/Tue, 15 Feb 2022 00:19:55 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/119-cost-of-pows-war-commission-degrading-norms-of-democracy-lukashenko-latest-mpg-ep-119-feb-13-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/119-cost-of-pows-war-commission-degrading-norms-of-democracy-lukashenko-latest-mpg-ep-119-feb-13-2022/Tue, 15 Feb 2022 00:19:55 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/119-cost-of-pows-war-commission-degrading-norms-of-democracy-lukashenko-latest-mpg-ep-119-feb-13-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>8 More POWs Released, But What At What Cost? Parliamentary Commission on the 44-Day War Established. The Degrading Norms of Democracy in Armenia. Who Needs Armenia? Latest MPG Poll Results in Yerevan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/119/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/118-pietro-shakarian-continuing-ukraine-crisis-vahagn-khachatryan-for-pres-new-iri-poll-results/Wed, 09 Feb 2022 03:41:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/118-pietro-shakarian-continuing-ukraine-crisis-vahagn-khachatryan-for-pres-new-iri-poll-results/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/118-pietro-shakarian-continuing-ukraine-crisis-vahagn-khachatryan-for-pres-new-iri-poll-results/Wed, 09 Feb 2022 03:41:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/118-pietro-shakarian-continuing-ukraine-crisis-vahagn-khachatryan-for-pres-new-iri-poll-results/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Continuing Ukraine Crisis. Putin in Beijing, Erdogan in Kyiv, Pashinyan at Olympic Diplomacy? Civil Contract Nominates Vahagn Khachatryan for President. New IRI Poll Results.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/118/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/117-ruben-melikyan-legal-human-rights-developments-in-armenia-20220204/Fri, 04 Feb 2022 00:16:54 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/117-ruben-melikyan-legal-human-rights-developments-in-armenia-20220204/<p>Show Notes</p> <h2 id="decisions-of-the-international-court-of-justice">Decisions of the International Court of Justice</h2> <p>Early in December 2021 the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/world-court-orders-azerbaijan-prevent-incitement-racial-hatred-against-armenians-2021-12-07/">urgent decisions</a> in the case that was brought to it by Armenia. The decisions ordered both Armenia and Azerbaijan to &ldquo;&hellip;take all necessary measures to prevent the incitement and promotion of racial hatred&rdquo; against each other’s nationals. Additionally, the decision said that Azerbaijan must protect from violence and harm &ldquo;all persons captured in relation to the 2020 conflict who remain in detention&rdquo; and must &ldquo;prevent and punish acts of vandalism and desecration affecting Armenian cultural heritage&rdquo;.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/117-ruben-melikyan-legal-human-rights-developments-in-armenia-20220204/Fri, 04 Feb 2022 00:16:54 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/117-ruben-melikyan-legal-human-rights-developments-in-armenia-20220204/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Introduction. Decisions of the International Court of Justice. Turkish-Armenian “Normalization”. More Constitutional Changes. Civil Contract Appoints new HR Ombudsman for Armenia. Continuing Harassment of Opposition Leaders. Legislating Away Civil Liberties.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/117/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/116-ukraine-antalya-army-day-in-armenia-the-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-ep-116-jan-30-2022/Mon, 31 Jan 2022 01:03:59 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/116-ukraine-antalya-army-day-in-armenia-the-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-ep-116-jan-30-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/116-ukraine-antalya-army-day-in-armenia-the-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-ep-116-jan-30-2022/Mon, 31 Jan 2022 01:03:59 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/116-ukraine-antalya-army-day-in-armenia-the-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-ep-116-jan-30-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Game of Chicken over Ukraine. Antalya Diplomatic Forum. Army Day in Armenia. Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Rants/Announcements.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/116/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/115-isabel-bayrakdarian-talks-about-armenian-songs-for-children-with-bedros-afeyan-ep-115-jan-27-2022/Thu, 27 Jan 2022 00:17:24 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/115-isabel-bayrakdarian-talks-about-armenian-songs-for-children-with-bedros-afeyan-ep-115-jan-27-2022/<p>Komitas - Six Children’s Songs – Timestamp: 00:01:35</p> <p>Internationally acclaimed soprano, Lebanese-born, Canadian-Armenian-American Isabel Bayrakdarian has released an album that draws on five generations of her family - from her great-grandparents to her own children.</p> <p>Well, I was a child once where she was a child, 15 years later, namely, Beirut, Lebanon. And we both sang as acolytes in the Armenian Apostolic church - we sang the same mass, the same ancient hymns, wearing the same robes and sliding around in the same hand-me-down slippers. Then we both left Lebanon and settled in Canada, Montreal for me, Toronto for her, finished high school and studied engineering in college. Many years apart mind you! And now we are both living in sunny CA.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/115-isabel-bayrakdarian-talks-about-armenian-songs-for-children-with-bedros-afeyan-ep-115-jan-27-2022/Thu, 27 Jan 2022 00:17:24 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/115-isabel-bayrakdarian-talks-about-armenian-songs-for-children-with-bedros-afeyan-ep-115-jan-27-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Journey Back to Armenian Music. Musical Harmony Between Armenian Music and Classical Canon. Researching, Teaching and Choosing Songs. Isabel&rsquo;s Favorites and Influences.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/115/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/114-president-resigns-ukraine-standoff-vahan-kerobyan-min-of-comedy-ep-114-jan-23-2022/Wed, 26 Jan 2022 17:10:56 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/114-president-resigns-ukraine-standoff-vahan-kerobyan-min-of-comedy-ep-114-jan-23-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/114-president-resigns-ukraine-standoff-vahan-kerobyan-min-of-comedy-ep-114-jan-23-2022/Wed, 26 Jan 2022 17:10:56 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/114-president-resigns-ukraine-standoff-vahan-kerobyan-min-of-comedy-ep-114-jan-23-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>President Armen Sarkissian Resigns. Russia-NATO Standoff over Ukraine. Vahan Kerobyan, Minister of Comedy.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/114/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/113-major-incident-on-the-line-of-contact-turkish-armenian-meeting-in-moscow-ep-113-jan-16-2022/Mon, 17 Jan 2022 21:44:12 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/113-major-incident-on-the-line-of-contact-turkish-armenian-meeting-in-moscow-ep-113-jan-16-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/113-major-incident-on-the-line-of-contact-turkish-armenian-meeting-in-moscow-ep-113-jan-16-2022/Mon, 17 Jan 2022 21:44:12 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/113-major-incident-on-the-line-of-contact-turkish-armenian-meeting-in-moscow-ep-113-jan-16-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Major incident on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Line of Contact. Turkish-Armenian meeting in Moscow.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/113/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/112-color-me-kazakhstan-first-normalization-meeting-on-friday-ep-112-jan-9-2022/Tue, 11 Jan 2022 20:58:51 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/112-color-me-kazakhstan-first-normalization-meeting-on-friday-ep-112-jan-9-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/112-color-me-kazakhstan-first-normalization-meeting-on-friday-ep-112-jan-9-2022/Tue, 11 Jan 2022 20:58:51 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/112-color-me-kazakhstan-first-normalization-meeting-on-friday-ep-112-jan-9-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Color Me Kazakhstan. Turkish-Armenian Normalization Meeting on January 14.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/112/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/111-turkish-armenian-normalization-conversation-with-harut-sassounian-ep-111-jan-9-2022/Sun, 09 Jan 2022 10:10:27 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/111-turkish-armenian-normalization-conversation-with-harut-sassounian-ep-111-jan-9-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/111-turkish-armenian-normalization-conversation-with-harut-sassounian-ep-111-jan-9-2022/Sun, 09 Jan 2022 10:10:27 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/111-turkish-armenian-normalization-conversation-with-harut-sassounian-ep-111-jan-9-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>History of Turkish-Armenian Attempts at Negotiations. Who are The Players? Why Now? What&rsquo;s on the Agenda? What are the Pitfalls and Opportunities? Diaspora vis-à -vis the Armenian Republic.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/111/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/110-pashinyan-press-conference-kocharyan-press-conference-yerevan-mayor-saga-ep-110-dec-26-2021/Wed, 29 Dec 2021 02:09:30 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/110-pashinyan-press-conference-kocharyan-press-conference-yerevan-mayor-saga-ep-110-dec-26-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/110-pashinyan-press-conference-kocharyan-press-conference-yerevan-mayor-saga-ep-110-dec-26-2021/Wed, 29 Dec 2021 02:09:30 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/110-pashinyan-press-conference-kocharyan-press-conference-yerevan-mayor-saga-ep-110-dec-26-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Nikol Pashinyan holds a press conference. Robert Kocharyan holds a press conference. The Yerevan Mayor Saga.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/110/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/109-thirty-years-after-the-ussr-ep-109-dec-26-2021/Sun, 26 Dec 2021 06:31:02 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/109-thirty-years-after-the-ussr-ep-109-dec-26-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/109-thirty-years-after-the-ussr-ep-109-dec-26-2021/Sun, 26 Dec 2021 06:31:02 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/109-thirty-years-after-the-ussr-ep-109-dec-26-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>How did the USSR Dissolve, who were the personalities behind it? Did Ethnic Nationalism Have a Hand in it? Did Ronald Reagan Defeat the Soviet Union? What are the Geopolitical, Democracy, Historical Memory Legacies of the FSU in the Former Soviet Republics? Was the Dissolution Inevitable?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/109/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/108-turkish-armenian-normalization-brussels-sprouts-armenian-nsc-chair-in-dc-armenia-project-tour-ep-108-dec-19-2021/Tue, 21 Dec 2021 00:26:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/108-turkish-armenian-normalization-brussels-sprouts-armenian-nsc-chair-in-dc-armenia-project-tour-ep-108-dec-19-2021/<h2 id="turkish-armenian-normalization">Turkish-Armenian Normalization</h2> <p>A few days before the trip to Brussels, a little unexpectedly we heard news reports that Armenian-Turkish relations are in the process of being normalized. The two countries were at the time slated to nominate envoys for the process. Another surprise, for us, was that the news was announced by Mevlut Cavusoglu (Turkey’s foreign minister) at a routine event. Only a day after it was confirmed by the Armenian Foreign Ministry in a short statement.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/108-turkish-armenian-normalization-brussels-sprouts-armenian-nsc-chair-in-dc-armenia-project-tour-ep-108-dec-19-2021/Tue, 21 Dec 2021 00:26:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/108-turkish-armenian-normalization-brussels-sprouts-armenian-nsc-chair-in-dc-armenia-project-tour-ep-108-dec-19-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Turkish-Armenian normalization. Brussels Sprouts. Armen Grigoryan in Washington DC. The Armenian Project - US Tour. Analyst Rants.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/108/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/107-armenian-and-azerbaijani-expert-perspectives-on-negotiations-ep-107-dec-15-2021/Wed, 15 Dec 2021 20:35:28 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/107-armenian-and-azerbaijani-expert-perspectives-on-negotiations-ep-107-dec-15-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/107-armenian-and-azerbaijani-expert-perspectives-on-negotiations-ep-107-dec-15-2021/Wed, 15 Dec 2021 20:35:28 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/107-armenian-and-azerbaijani-expert-perspectives-on-negotiations-ep-107-dec-15-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Artsakh Status (). Is the conflict really &ldquo;solved&rdquo; (). Opening of Communications (). Corridor for Corridor (). &ldquo;Unimpeded&rdquo; Access ().</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/107/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/106-zoom-for-democracy-domestic-regional-politics-artsakh-independence-at-30-ep-106-dec-12-2021/Mon, 13 Dec 2021 03:15:02 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/106-zoom-for-democracy-domestic-regional-politics-artsakh-independence-at-30-ep-106-dec-12-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/106-zoom-for-democracy-domestic-regional-politics-artsakh-independence-at-30-ep-106-dec-12-2021/Mon, 13 Dec 2021 03:15:02 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/106-zoom-for-democracy-domestic-regional-politics-artsakh-independence-at-30-ep-106-dec-12-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Zoom for Democracy. Domestic Politics. Regional Politics. Artsakh Independence at 30. Analyst Rants.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/106/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/105-regional-geopolitics-turkmen-iran-gas-armenian-opposition-fizzles-out-ep-105-dec-5-2021/Mon, 06 Dec 2021 04:23:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/105-regional-geopolitics-turkmen-iran-gas-armenian-opposition-fizzles-out-ep-105-dec-5-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/105-regional-geopolitics-turkmen-iran-gas-armenian-opposition-fizzles-out-ep-105-dec-5-2021/Mon, 06 Dec 2021 04:23:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/105-regional-geopolitics-turkmen-iran-gas-armenian-opposition-fizzles-out-ep-105-dec-5-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Regional Geopolitics. Turkmenistan / Iran Gas Swap Deal. Opposition Fizzles Out. Again.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/105/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/104-pashinyan-live-trilateral-in-sochi-bilateral-in-brussels-turkish-armenian-normalization-russian-turkish-co-opetition-ep-104-nov-28-2021/Mon, 29 Nov 2021 03:25:55 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/104-pashinyan-live-trilateral-in-sochi-bilateral-in-brussels-turkish-armenian-normalization-russian-turkish-co-opetition-ep-104-nov-28-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/104-pashinyan-live-trilateral-in-sochi-bilateral-in-brussels-turkish-armenian-normalization-russian-turkish-co-opetition-ep-104-nov-28-2021/Mon, 29 Nov 2021 03:25:55 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/104-pashinyan-live-trilateral-in-sochi-bilateral-in-brussels-turkish-armenian-normalization-russian-turkish-co-opetition-ep-104-nov-28-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Pashinyan Live on Facebook. Trilateral in Sochi, Bilateral in Brussels. Turkish-Armenian &ldquo;Normalization&rdquo;. Russian-Turkish &ldquo;Co-opetition&rdquo; in Eurasia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/104/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/103-russia-nato-escalation-border-escalation-goodbye-moscow-hello-brussels-protests-in-yerevan-ep-101-nov-14-2021/Mon, 22 Nov 2021 17:54:38 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/103-russia-nato-escalation-border-escalation-goodbye-moscow-hello-brussels-protests-in-yerevan-ep-101-nov-14-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/103-russia-nato-escalation-border-escalation-goodbye-moscow-hello-brussels-protests-in-yerevan-ep-101-nov-14-2021/Mon, 22 Nov 2021 17:54:38 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/103-russia-nato-escalation-border-escalation-goodbye-moscow-hello-brussels-protests-in-yerevan-ep-101-nov-14-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Russia-NATO escalation. Border escalation. Goodbye Moscow, Hello Brussels! Protests in Yerevan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/103/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/102-vardan-aramyan-state-of-the-armenian-economy-nov-21-2021/Sun, 21 Nov 2021 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/102-vardan-aramyan-state-of-the-armenian-economy-nov-21-2021/<h2 id="2022-budget--economic-growth">2022 Budget &amp; Economic Growth</h2> <p><strong>Groong @1:29:</strong></p> <p>Let’s begin with the budget. The 2022 budget proposal is currently making its way through the Armenian parliament. There are lots of impressive goals, including:</p> <ul> <li>7% economic growth</li> <li>Sharp increase in expenses</li> <li>Sharp increase in income (based on improved taxation)</li> </ul> <p>It even foresees a 0.7% decline in the government’s debt-to-GDP ratio.</p> <p>Government representatives claim that this budget is a testament to Armenia’s strong economic recovery. Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Armenia (the CBA) called the budget proposal “quite ambitious”. (Maybe that’s code for unachievable?)</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/102-vardan-aramyan-state-of-the-armenian-economy-nov-21-2021/Sun, 21 Nov 2021 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/102-vardan-aramyan-state-of-the-armenian-economy-nov-21-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>2022 Budget and Economic Growth @1:24. Did Armenian economy recover already? @3:55. Does the structure of growth mirror worldwide growth @8:55. What happens if growth doesn&rsquo;t meet target @14:25. Why did the IMF underestimate Armenian growth initially @17:38. Growth Sectors in Budget @23:41. Are prices for Copper/Aluminum extremely inflated? @25:50. Inflation @32:48. Effect on wages, income inequality, poverty &amp; other socioeconomic markers? @41:36. Corridor Economics @45:55. $2.6B EU Aid Package @50:42. Artsakh @57:55.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/101-armenia-attacked-border-politics-azerbaijan-back-to-osce-mg-municipal-results-ep-101-nov-14-2021/Wed, 17 Nov 2021 03:08:17 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/101-armenia-attacked-border-politics-azerbaijan-back-to-osce-mg-municipal-results-ep-101-nov-14-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/101-armenia-attacked-border-politics-azerbaijan-back-to-osce-mg-municipal-results-ep-101-nov-14-2021/Wed, 17 Nov 2021 03:08:17 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/101-armenia-attacked-border-politics-azerbaijan-back-to-osce-mg-municipal-results-ep-101-nov-14-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia under wide scale attacks by Azerbaijan. Border Politics. Azerbaijan Returns to the OSCE MG. Municipal elections Over the Past Weekend.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/101/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/100-talking-with-alison-tahmizian-meuse-ep-100-nov-17-2021/Tue, 16 Nov 2021 02:02:30 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/100-talking-with-alison-tahmizian-meuse-ep-100-nov-17-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/100-talking-with-alison-tahmizian-meuse-ep-100-nov-17-2021/Tue, 16 Nov 2021 02:02:30 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/100-talking-with-alison-tahmizian-meuse-ep-100-nov-17-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The drive to cover dangerous conflicts. Covering War and Peace in Armenia. The value of Twitter. Media and Internet Freedom in Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/100/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/99-war-in-artsakh-one-year-on-erika-olson-visits-region-internal-political-developments-ep-99-nov-7-2021/Tue, 09 Nov 2021 03:16:07 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/99-war-in-artsakh-one-year-on-erika-olson-visits-region-internal-political-developments-ep-99-nov-7-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/99-war-in-artsakh-one-year-on-erika-olson-visits-region-internal-political-developments-ep-99-nov-7-2021/Tue, 09 Nov 2021 03:16:07 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/99-war-in-artsakh-one-year-on-erika-olson-visits-region-internal-political-developments-ep-99-nov-7-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The War in Artsakh, One Year Later. Erika Olson visits the South Caucasus. Internal political developments.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/99/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/98-the-state-of-affairs-in-lebanon-the-armenian-community-a-year-after-the-beirut-blast-ep-98-nov-8-2021/Mon, 08 Nov 2021 00:26:25 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/98-the-state-of-affairs-in-lebanon-the-armenian-community-a-year-after-the-beirut-blast-ep-98-nov-8-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/98-the-state-of-affairs-in-lebanon-the-armenian-community-a-year-after-the-beirut-blast-ep-98-nov-8-2021/Mon, 08 Nov 2021 00:26:25 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/98-the-state-of-affairs-in-lebanon-the-armenian-community-a-year-after-the-beirut-blast-ep-98-nov-8-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>A year after the Beirut Explosion, what&rsquo;s the state of investigations? Has Anyone been held Accountable? Who are the Internal and External Players in Lebanon? What&rsquo;s the State and Future of the Armenian Community in Lebanon?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/98/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/97-save-our-monuments-a-year-after-the-war-in-artsakh-the-case-at-the-icj-ep-97-nov-3-2021/Wed, 03 Nov 2021 01:22:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/97-save-our-monuments-a-year-after-the-war-in-artsakh-the-case-at-the-icj-ep-97-nov-3-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/97-save-our-monuments-a-year-after-the-war-in-artsakh-the-case-at-the-icj-ep-97-nov-3-2021/Wed, 03 Nov 2021 01:22:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/97-save-our-monuments-a-year-after-the-war-in-artsakh-the-case-at-the-icj-ep-97-nov-3-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>One year after the War in Artsakh, the State of Armenian Monuments in Lands turned over to Azerbaijan. What is Save Armenian Monuments? The Significance of Pilgrimage and Holy Sites. Armenia and Azerbaijan at the International Court of Justice. What Next Steps?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/97/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/96-georgian-runoffs-turkish-drones-in-donbas-iran-turkey-g20-palooza-ep-96-oct-31-2021/Mon, 01 Nov 2021 23:14:53 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/96-georgian-runoffs-turkish-drones-in-donbas-iran-turkey-g20-palooza-ep-96-oct-31-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/96-georgian-runoffs-turkish-drones-in-donbas-iran-turkey-g20-palooza-ep-96-oct-31-2021/Mon, 01 Nov 2021 23:14:53 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/96-georgian-runoffs-turkish-drones-in-donbas-iran-turkey-g20-palooza-ep-96-oct-31-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Georgia&rsquo;s Runoff Elections. Turkish Drones in Donbas. Iran-Turkey Tensions. The G20 Palooza.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/96/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/94-positive-messages-back-to-street-rallies-local-election-setbacks-siradeghyan-dies-ep-94-oct-24-2021/Mon, 25 Oct 2021 21:42:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/94-positive-messages-back-to-street-rallies-local-election-setbacks-siradeghyan-dies-ep-94-oct-24-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/94-positive-messages-back-to-street-rallies-local-election-setbacks-siradeghyan-dies-ep-94-oct-24-2021/Mon, 25 Oct 2021 21:42:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/94-positive-messages-back-to-street-rallies-local-election-setbacks-siradeghyan-dies-ep-94-oct-24-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Yerevan&rsquo;s &ldquo;Positive Messages&rdquo;. Opposition Going Back to Street Rallies? Ruling Party Setbacks in Local Elections. Vano Siradeghyan Dies.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/94/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/93-armenia-s-diplomacy-and-regional-corridors-ep-93-oct-19-2021/Tue, 19 Oct 2021 17:26:58 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/93-armenia-s-diplomacy-and-regional-corridors-ep-93-oct-19-2021/<h2 id="foreign-minister-of-india-visits-armenia">Foreign Minister of India Visits Armenia</h2> <p>On Wednesday, October 12, India’s External Affairs Minister Subramanyam Jaishankar visited Armenia, where he met with PM Pashinyan, FM Mirzoyan and Parliament president Alen Simonyan. This was a first-ever high-level visit by an Indian minister to Armenia. Beyond Jaishankar’s visits to Tsitsernakaberd, and Cultural gestures and expressions, the diplomats discussed significant geopolitical projects involving Armenia in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) project from India, through Iran, Armenia, Georgia, and beyond.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/93-armenia-s-diplomacy-and-regional-corridors-ep-93-oct-19-2021/Tue, 19 Oct 2021 17:26:58 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/93-armenia-s-diplomacy-and-regional-corridors-ep-93-oct-19-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In the past month a flurry of diplomatic activity has risen around Armenia. The top diplomats from neighboring countries, regional and global powers have met with Armenia’s top leadership to discuss the shifting geopolitics reshaping the South Caucasus politically and economically for the coming decades. How is Armenia’s diplomacy navigating the “Corridor Politics” and what are the prospects for a peaceful neighborhood?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/93/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/92-flurry-of-diplomacy-results-from-regions-vaccination-update-trust-in-authorities-ep-92-oct-17-2021/Tue, 19 Oct 2021 02:39:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/92-flurry-of-diplomacy-results-from-regions-vaccination-update-trust-in-authorities-ep-92-oct-17-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/92-flurry-of-diplomacy-results-from-regions-vaccination-update-trust-in-authorities-ep-92-oct-17-2021/Tue, 19 Oct 2021 02:39:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/92-flurry-of-diplomacy-results-from-regions-vaccination-update-trust-in-authorities-ep-92-oct-17-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>A Flurry of Diplomatic Activity. Results from Tavush, Shirak and Syunik. Vaccination in Armenia. Trust in the Authorities about Information from Border Areas.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/92/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/91-saakashvili-in-georgia-putin-erdogan-in-sochi-osce-mg-in-artsakh-tonoyan-in-jail-hovik-in-stepanakert-ep-91-oct-3-2021/Mon, 04 Oct 2021 01:31:25 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/91-saakashvili-in-georgia-putin-erdogan-in-sochi-osce-mg-in-artsakh-tonoyan-in-jail-hovik-in-stepanakert-ep-91-oct-3-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/91-saakashvili-in-georgia-putin-erdogan-in-sochi-osce-mg-in-artsakh-tonoyan-in-jail-hovik-in-stepanakert-ep-91-oct-3-2021/Mon, 04 Oct 2021 01:31:25 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/91-saakashvili-in-georgia-putin-erdogan-in-sochi-osce-mg-in-artsakh-tonoyan-in-jail-hovik-in-stepanakert-ep-91-oct-3-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Saakashvili Back in Georgia. Putin, Erdogan, in Sochi. OSCE Minsk Group in Artsakh? Tonoyan, Galstyan in Jail. Hovik in Stepanakert.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/91/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/90-tevan-poghosyan-one-year-after-can-opposition-reorg-turkish-armenian-normalization/Mon, 27 Sep 2021 04:40:12 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/90-tevan-poghosyan-one-year-after-can-opposition-reorg-turkish-armenian-normalization/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h2 id="the-one-year-anniversary-of-the-war">The One Year Anniversary of The War</h2> <ul> <li>Lead-up to the war? When did Armenia know for sure?</li> <li>How did the war start? What do we know about the first moments of the war?</li> <li>When was it possible for Pashinyan to stop the war?</li> <li>Aliyev and Pashinyan’s addresses to the UNGA during this past week.</li> </ul> <h2 id="can-the-opposition-reorganize">Can the Opposition Reorganize?</h2> <p>Opposition held a candle-lit march to Yerablur. While the march was silent and not too political, many believe this will mark the restart of the street struggle by the opposition. Does the opposition have a chance to re-invigorate its struggle against the government, combining pressure on the street?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/90-tevan-poghosyan-one-year-after-can-opposition-reorg-turkish-armenian-normalization/Sun, 26 Sep 2021 04:00:12 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/90-tevan-poghosyan-one-year-after-can-opposition-reorg-turkish-armenian-normalization/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The One-year anniversary of The War in Artsakh. Can the Opposition Reorganize? Turkish-Armenian Possible Rapprochement.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/90/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/89-independence-day-pashinyan-s-turkish-overtures-goris-kapan-highway-ep-89-sep-19-2021/Tue, 21 Sep 2021 14:34:42 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/89-independence-day-pashinyan-s-turkish-overtures-goris-kapan-highway-ep-89-sep-19-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/89-independence-day-pashinyan-s-turkish-overtures-goris-kapan-highway-ep-89-sep-19-2021/Tue, 21 Sep 2021 14:34:42 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/89-independence-day-pashinyan-s-turkish-overtures-goris-kapan-highway-ep-89-sep-19-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Independence Day. Pashinyan&rsquo;s Turkish overtures. Goris-Kapan highway.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/89/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/88-pashinyan-shuns-nk-reconciliation-2-0-taliban-2-0-state-of-world-affairs-political-analysis-ep-88-sep-5-2021/Mon, 06 Sep 2021 00:19:25 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/88-pashinyan-shuns-nk-reconciliation-2-0-taliban-2-0-state-of-world-affairs-political-analysis-ep-88-sep-5-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/88-pashinyan-shuns-nk-reconciliation-2-0-taliban-2-0-state-of-world-affairs-political-analysis-ep-88-sep-5-2021/Mon, 06 Sep 2021 00:19:25 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/88-pashinyan-shuns-nk-reconciliation-2-0-taliban-2-0-state-of-world-affairs-political-analysis-ep-88-sep-5-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Pashinyan &amp; Co. Shun Artsakh Independence. Turkey-Armenia Reconciliation Reconstituted? Afghanistan: Taliban 2.0? State of World Affairs. State of Political Analysis.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/88/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/87-syunik-blocked-and-unblocked-5-year-plan-approved-parliamentary-dynamics-ep-87-august-29-2021/Sun, 29 Aug 2021 23:37:42 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/87-syunik-blocked-and-unblocked-5-year-plan-approved-parliamentary-dynamics-ep-87-august-29-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/87-syunik-blocked-and-unblocked-5-year-plan-approved-parliamentary-dynamics-ep-87-august-29-2021/Sun, 29 Aug 2021 23:37:42 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/87-syunik-blocked-and-unblocked-5-year-plan-approved-parliamentary-dynamics-ep-87-august-29-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Road to Syunik Blocked and Unblocked. 5-Year Plan Approved. Parliamentary Dynamics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/87/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/86-5-year-plan-russia-rearming-armenia-press-freedoms-curtailed-panelist-topics-ep-86-august-22-2021/Mon, 23 Aug 2021 12:46:09 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/86-5-year-plan-russia-rearming-armenia-press-freedoms-curtailed-panelist-topics-ep-86-august-22-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/86-5-year-plan-russia-rearming-armenia-press-freedoms-curtailed-panelist-topics-ep-86-august-22-2021/Mon, 23 Aug 2021 12:46:09 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/86-5-year-plan-russia-rearming-armenia-press-freedoms-curtailed-panelist-topics-ep-86-august-22-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Government&rsquo;s 5-Year Plan. Is Russia Rearming Armenia? Artsakh? Press Freedoms Curtailed in Parliament. Topics from the Panelists.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/86/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/85-lebanon-afghanistan-armenian-parliament-artsakh-ep-85-aug-15-2021/Tue, 17 Aug 2021 08:52:20 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/85-lebanon-afghanistan-armenian-parliament-artsakh-ep-85-aug-15-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/85-lebanon-afghanistan-armenian-parliament-artsakh-ep-85-aug-15-2021/Tue, 17 Aug 2021 08:52:20 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/85-lebanon-afghanistan-armenian-parliament-artsakh-ep-85-aug-15-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Lebanon in Crisis. Taliban Takes Over Afghanistan. 8th Convocation of the Parliament. Developments around Artsakh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/85/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/84-instability-on-armenia-azerbaijan-borders-commission-on-44-daywar-first-session-of-the-8th-parliament-ep-84-aug-1-2021/Mon, 02 Aug 2021 21:58:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/84-instability-on-armenia-azerbaijan-borders-commission-on-44-daywar-first-session-of-the-8th-parliament-ep-84-aug-1-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/84-instability-on-armenia-azerbaijan-borders-commission-on-44-daywar-first-session-of-the-8th-parliament-ep-84-aug-1-2021/Mon, 02 Aug 2021 21:58:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/84-instability-on-armenia-azerbaijan-borders-commission-on-44-daywar-first-session-of-the-8th-parliament-ep-84-aug-1-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Continued Instability along Armenia-Azerbaijan Borders. National Assembly Commission on the 44-Day War. First Session of the 8th Session of the Armenian Parliament.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/84/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/82-calls-for-a-commission-to-analyze-the-defeat-in-the-2020-artsakh-war-ep-82-july-31-2021/Sat, 31 Jul 2021 15:30:26 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/82-calls-for-a-commission-to-analyze-the-defeat-in-the-2020-artsakh-war-ep-82-july-31-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/82-calls-for-a-commission-to-analyze-the-defeat-in-the-2020-artsakh-war-ep-82-july-31-2021/Sat, 31 Jul 2021 15:30:26 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/82-calls-for-a-commission-to-analyze-the-defeat-in-the-2020-artsakh-war-ep-82-july-31-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Calls for a Commission to Analyze the Defeat in the 2020 Artsakh War. A Conversation with Dr. Simon Saradzhyan, Arthur G. Martirosyan, and Tevan Poghosyan. The disastrous outcome of the 2020 War in Artsakh has left Armenians in Armenia and around the world with many unanswered questions. Many long-time held beliefs about the.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/82/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/81-escalation-in-yeraskh-gunpoint-diplomacy-armenian-emigration-guests-trip-report-ep-81-july-25-2021/Tue, 27 Jul 2021 12:03:28 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/81-escalation-in-yeraskh-gunpoint-diplomacy-armenian-emigration-guests-trip-report-ep-81-july-25-2021/<h2 id="escalation-in-yeraskh">Escalation in Yeraskh</h2> <p>Last week when the border instability around Yeraskh started and were heating up, Aliyev went to Moscow for a one on one meeting with Putin. The message that we read right before, during and after that meeting from the three OSCE Minsk group co-chairs was that “a lasting and comprehensive” peace needs to be hammered out. Aliyev returned to Baku and said that he had already solved the Artsakh issue, that other paths to peace would be “wrong and risky”. The news reported that Putin had told Aliyev to seek a compromise solution. Pashinyan has rejected that the Artsakh issue is resolved.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/81-escalation-in-yeraskh-gunpoint-diplomacy-armenian-emigration-guests-trip-report-ep-81-july-25-2021/Tue, 27 Jul 2021 12:03:28 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/81-escalation-in-yeraskh-gunpoint-diplomacy-armenian-emigration-guests-trip-report-ep-81-july-25-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Escalation in Yeraskh. “Peace Treaty” at Gunpoint. Emigration out of Armenia. Trip Report from Our Guests.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/81/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/80-armenian-foreign-policy-between-war-and-peace-ep-80-july-22-2021/Thu, 22 Jul 2021 01:29:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/80-armenian-foreign-policy-between-war-and-peace-ep-80-july-22-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/80-armenian-foreign-policy-between-war-and-peace-ep-80-july-22-2021/Thu, 22 Jul 2021 01:29:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/80-armenian-foreign-policy-between-war-and-peace-ep-80-july-22-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Sparring Partners: Moscow and Ankara. Yerevan&rsquo;s Diplomatic Dilemmas. Aliyev&rsquo;s Appetite and Ambitions.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/80/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/79-suren-sargsyan-const-court-decision-new-pm-appts-aliyev-threats-russian-generals-in-yerevan-ep-78-july-18-2021/Tue, 20 Jul 2021 18:43:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/79-suren-sargsyan-const-court-decision-new-pm-appts-aliyev-threats-russian-generals-in-yerevan-ep-78-july-18-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/79-suren-sargsyan-const-court-decision-new-pm-appts-aliyev-threats-russian-generals-in-yerevan-ep-78-july-18-2021/Tue, 20 Jul 2021 18:43:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/79-suren-sargsyan-const-court-decision-new-pm-appts-aliyev-threats-russian-generals-in-yerevan-ep-78-july-18-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Constitutional Court Decisions on Election Results. New Pashinyan Appointments. More Threats from Azerbaijan. Russian Generals in Yerevan Again.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/79/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/78-asbed-kotchikian-putin-pashinyan-constitutional-court-steel-out-of-velvet-podcast-s-year-in-review-ep-78-july-11-2021/Tue, 13 Jul 2021 01:36:20 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/78-asbed-kotchikian-putin-pashinyan-constitutional-court-steel-out-of-velvet-podcast-s-year-in-review-ep-78-july-11-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/78-asbed-kotchikian-putin-pashinyan-constitutional-court-steel-out-of-velvet-podcast-s-year-in-review-ep-78-july-11-2021/Tue, 13 Jul 2021 01:36:20 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/78-asbed-kotchikian-putin-pashinyan-constitutional-court-steel-out-of-velvet-podcast-s-year-in-review-ep-78-july-11-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Putin / Pashinyan meeting. Constitutional Court Challenge. Forging Steel out of Velvet. Groong Podcast&rsquo;s Year-in-Review.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/78/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/77-preserving-armenian-heritage-simon-maghakyan-talks-with-lori-khatchadourian-and-christina-maranci-ep-77-june-30-2021/Wed, 30 Jun 2021 12:13:46 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/77-preserving-armenian-heritage-simon-maghakyan-talks-with-lori-khatchadourian-and-christina-maranci-ep-77-june-30-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/77-preserving-armenian-heritage-simon-maghakyan-talks-with-lori-khatchadourian-and-christina-maranci-ep-77-june-30-2021/Wed, 30 Jun 2021 12:13:46 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/77-preserving-armenian-heritage-simon-maghakyan-talks-with-lori-khatchadourian-and-christina-maranci-ep-77-june-30-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>What is Armenian Art and Architecture? Where does Artsakh&rsquo;s Heritage fit in the larger Armenian picture? What Armenian Heritage fell under Azerbaijani Control in 2020? What is Caucasus Heritage Watch and What does it do? What can International Organizations do for Artsakh?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/77/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/76-armenian-elections-recap-protests-in-artsakh-ep-76-june-27-2021/Tue, 29 Jun 2021 04:39:35 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/76-armenian-elections-recap-protests-in-artsakh-ep-76-june-27-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/76-armenian-elections-recap-protests-in-artsakh-ep-76-june-27-2021/Tue, 29 Jun 2021 04:39:35 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/76-armenian-elections-recap-protests-in-artsakh-ep-76-june-27-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian Elections Recap. Protests in Artsakh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/76/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/75-aram-navasardyan-how-to-explain-the-mpg-polling-discrepancy-ep-75-june-21-2021/Mon, 21 Jun 2021 05:24:59 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/75-aram-navasardyan-how-to-explain-the-mpg-polling-discrepancy-ep-75-june-21-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/75-aram-navasardyan-how-to-explain-the-mpg-polling-discrepancy-ep-75-june-21-2021/Mon, 21 Jun 2021 05:24:59 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/75-aram-navasardyan-how-to-explain-the-mpg-polling-discrepancy-ep-75-june-21-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>How to Explain The MPG Polling Discrepancy With Election Results? A Conversation (in Armenian) with Aram Navasardyan. Aram Navasardyan is Director of MPG, a member of Gallup International Association and one of the main pollsters in the pre-election campaign for June 2021 parliamentary elections.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/75/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/74-elections-az-az-negotiations-erdogan-in-az-biden-meets-erdogan-putin-ep-74-june-20-2021/Mon, 21 Jun 2021 02:48:52 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/74-elections-az-az-negotiations-erdogan-in-az-biden-meets-erdogan-putin-ep-74-june-20-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/74-elections-az-az-negotiations-erdogan-in-az-biden-meets-erdogan-putin-ep-74-june-20-2021/Mon, 21 Jun 2021 02:48:52 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/74-elections-az-az-negotiations-erdogan-in-az-biden-meets-erdogan-putin-ep-74-june-20-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia&rsquo;s Elections. Behind The Scenes with Armenia and Azerbaijan. Erdogan in Azerbaijan. Biden Meets Erdogan, then Putin.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/74/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/73-robert-markarian-analyzing-party-platforms-in-june-20-parliamentary-elections-ep-73-june-20-2021/Sat, 19 Jun 2021 06:48:44 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/73-robert-markarian-analyzing-party-platforms-in-june-20-parliamentary-elections-ep-73-june-20-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/73-robert-markarian-analyzing-party-platforms-in-june-20-parliamentary-elections-ep-73-june-20-2021/Sat, 19 Jun 2021 06:48:44 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/73-robert-markarian-analyzing-party-platforms-in-june-20-parliamentary-elections-ep-73-june-20-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Security/Defense. Economy and Social. Artsakh. Diaspora Relations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/73/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/72-aleksandr-khachaturyan-on-the-2021-armenian-elections-ep-72-june-18-2021/Fri, 18 Jun 2021 06:44:09 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/72-aleksandr-khachaturyan-on-the-2021-armenian-elections-ep-72-june-18-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/72-aleksandr-khachaturyan-on-the-2021-armenian-elections-ep-72-june-18-2021/Fri, 18 Jun 2021 06:44:09 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/72-aleksandr-khachaturyan-on-the-2021-armenian-elections-ep-72-june-18-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Hayastan Dashink (Armenia Alliance) Platform. Economy: Current State and Way Forward. Military-Industrial Complex, Financing Modernization of Army. Armenia-Diaspora Relations. IT Sector.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/72/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/71-aspram-krpeyan-hayastan-dashinq-elections-and-postwar-outlook-ep-71-june-18-2021/Fri, 18 Jun 2021 04:09:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/71-aspram-krpeyan-hayastan-dashinq-elections-and-postwar-outlook-ep-71-june-18-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/71-aspram-krpeyan-hayastan-dashinq-elections-and-postwar-outlook-ep-71-june-18-2021/Fri, 18 Jun 2021 04:09:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/71-aspram-krpeyan-hayastan-dashinq-elections-and-postwar-outlook-ep-71-june-18-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Hayastan Dashinq (Armenia Alliance), Elections and Postwar Outlook. Aspram Krpeyan, is a member of the Hayastan Dashinq led by former president Robert Kocharyan in the upcoming elections in Armenia, and a member of its list of parliamentary. Ms. Krpeyan has worked in the Ministry of Defence, as well as the office of the President of Armenia. She is the co-founding director of the Tatul Krpeyan Peace Foundation.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/71/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/70-meltdown-at-the-mfa-philip-reeker-s-visit-15-pows-return-latest-polls-ep-70-june-13-2021/Wed, 16 Jun 2021 03:51:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/70-meltdown-at-the-mfa-philip-reeker-s-visit-15-pows-return-latest-polls-ep-70-june-13-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/70-meltdown-at-the-mfa-philip-reeker-s-visit-15-pows-return-latest-polls-ep-70-june-13-2021/Wed, 16 Jun 2021 03:51:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/70-meltdown-at-the-mfa-philip-reeker-s-visit-15-pows-return-latest-polls-ep-70-june-13-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Meltdown at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Philip Reeker&rsquo;s Visit to the Region. 15 POWs Return Home. Latest Election Poll Results.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/70/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/83-emil-sanamyan-areg-danagoulian-unblocking-south-caucasus/Sun, 01 Aug 2021 04:04:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/83-emil-sanamyan-areg-danagoulian-unblocking-south-caucasus/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <p>Perhaps before discussing these contentious issues, it might be useful to look at the history of the closed borders.</p> <p>The three prior Armenian administrations (LTP, Kocharyan, Sargsyan) while being in disagreements on other issues related to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict have been in complete agreement on the need of open borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan:</p> <ul> <li>In the 90s LTP’s government had talks (according to Alexander Arzumanyan) with Tansu Ciller’s government, with the later making offers to open the border with Armenia in exchange for some concessions on the Karabakh issue (Arzumanyan claimed that Ciller asked the Armenians to withdraw from Jabrayil).</li> <li>During his famous 1998 speech LTP stated that Armenia’s economy would always be hindered by excessively large export transportation costs due to the need to go through Georgia.</li> <li>During the Key West Agreement (later reneged on by Heydar Aliyev) Robert Kocharyan agreed to conditions similar to those listed in <strong>Article 9</strong>.</li> <li>Most importantly during Serzh Sargsyan’s government Armenia and Turkey engaged in “soccer diplomacy,” where Erdogan’s and Sargsyan’s governments negotiated about the terms of border opening between Armenia and Turkey. Again, due to nationalist pressures inside Armenia and Turkey this never came to pass.</li> <li>Various Armenian governments have also decried the Azeri blockade of Armenia. It is clear that opening of transportation routes through Azerbaijan would significantly reduce transportation costs for Armenian economic exchange with Russia, its main economic partner, and reduce its dependence on Georgia as a transit point (something that is acutely felt during periodic flair ups in Russian-Georgian tensions)</li> </ul> <p>Currently, however, the roles appear to be reversed. Turkey and Azerbaijan are pushing to open the borders, while Armenia is not ready for it. What are the reasons for this?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/83-emil-sanamyan-areg-danagoulian-unblocking-south-caucasus/Mon, 14 Jun 2021 04:00:12 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/83-emil-sanamyan-areg-danagoulian-unblocking-south-caucasus/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Conversations on Groong episode is our first Live Show on Clubhouse and hopefully it will be an informative, as well as an enjoyable.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/83/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/69-giro-manoyan-arf-dashnaktsutyun-roadmap-challenges-conversation/Fri, 11 Jun 2021 19:13:50 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/69-giro-manoyan-arf-dashnaktsutyun-roadmap-challenges-conversation/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/69-giro-manoyan-arf-dashnaktsutyun-roadmap-challenges-conversation/Fri, 11 Jun 2021 19:13:50 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/69-giro-manoyan-arf-dashnaktsutyun-roadmap-challenges-conversation/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>ARF-Dashnaktsutyun: Roadmap and Challenges. Giro Manoyan has been a member of the ARF-D Bureau since 2015. Originally from Beirut, Lebanon, he moved to Montreal, Canada in 1976. He has served as the Executive Secretary. The ARF in the Politics of Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/69/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/68-armenia-superpowers-and-the-new-cold-war-ep-68-june-8-2021/Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:26:58 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/68-armenia-superpowers-and-the-new-cold-war-ep-68-june-8-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/68-armenia-superpowers-and-the-new-cold-war-ep-68-june-8-2021/Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:26:58 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/68-armenia-superpowers-and-the-new-cold-war-ep-68-june-8-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia, Superpowers and The New Cold War. A Conversation with. Dr. Pietro Shakarian, who is a Cleveland-based historian of Russia and the Soviet Union, with a focus on Soviet Armenia and the Caucasus during the era of Nikita Khrushchev&rsquo;s Thaw.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/68/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/67-robert-markarian-iran-foreign-relations-upcoming-elections-ep-66-06-07-2021/Mon, 07 Jun 2021 03:10:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/67-robert-markarian-iran-foreign-relations-upcoming-elections-ep-66-06-07-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/67-robert-markarian-iran-foreign-relations-upcoming-elections-ep-66-06-07-2021/Mon, 07 Jun 2021 03:10:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/67-robert-markarian-iran-foreign-relations-upcoming-elections-ep-66-06-07-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Iran: Foreign Relations and Upcoming Elections. A Conversation with Robert Markarian. The South Caucasus comprises Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. The three regional powers surrounding them are Russia to the north, Turkey to the west, and Iran in the south.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/67/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/66-kocharyan-closes-in-on-pashinyan-s-lead-in-election-polls-pashinyan-visits-europe-ep-66-june-6-2021/Sun, 06 Jun 2021 20:46:53 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/66-kocharyan-closes-in-on-pashinyan-s-lead-in-election-polls-pashinyan-visits-europe-ep-66-june-6-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/66-kocharyan-closes-in-on-pashinyan-s-lead-in-election-polls-pashinyan-visits-europe-ep-66-june-6-2021/Sun, 06 Jun 2021 20:46:53 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/66-kocharyan-closes-in-on-pashinyan-s-lead-in-election-polls-pashinyan-visits-europe-ep-66-june-6-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Kocharyan Closes in on Pashinyan in Election Polls. Pashinyan Visits Europe.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/66/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/65-tensions-on-the-border-latest-iri-mpg-polls-election-politics-ep-65-may-30-2021/Mon, 31 May 2021 03:42:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/65-tensions-on-the-border-latest-iri-mpg-polls-election-politics-ep-65-may-30-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/65-tensions-on-the-border-latest-iri-mpg-polls-election-politics-ep-65-may-30-2021/Mon, 31 May 2021 03:42:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/65-tensions-on-the-border-latest-iri-mpg-polls-election-politics-ep-65-may-30-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Continued Tensions on the Eastern Border. Latest IRI and MPG Polls on the Armenian Elections. Election Politics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/65/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/64-robert-markarian-ep-64-05-29-2021/Sat, 29 May 2021 17:45:18 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/64-robert-markarian-ep-64-05-29-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/64-robert-markarian-ep-64-05-29-2021/Sat, 29 May 2021 17:45:18 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/64-robert-markarian-ep-64-05-29-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Iran: Foreign Relations and Upcoming Elections (in Armenian). A Conversation with Robert Markarian. Իրան: Արտաքին Հարաբերուտյուններ, գալիք ընտրություններ.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/64/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/63-a-conversation-with-narek-margaryan-ep-63-05-25-2021/Tue, 25 May 2021 22:30:21 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/63-a-conversation-with-narek-margaryan-ep-63-05-25-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/63-a-conversation-with-narek-margaryan-ep-63-05-25-2021/Tue, 25 May 2021 22:30:21 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/63-a-conversation-with-narek-margaryan-ep-63-05-25-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>A Conversation with Narek Margaryan - 05/25/2021. Narek Margaryan is an Armenian comedian, screenwriter and TV host. Along with his co-host Sergey Sargsyan, Narek stars in ArmComedy, a satiric news show series broadcast on. Hovik Manucharyan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/63/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/62-emil-sanamyan-border-update-leaked-docs-azerbaijan-in-the-csto-new-mpg-poll-elections-ep-62-may-23-2021/Tue, 25 May 2021 20:12:36 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/62-emil-sanamyan-border-update-leaked-docs-azerbaijan-in-the-csto-new-mpg-poll-elections-ep-62-may-23-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/62-emil-sanamyan-border-update-leaked-docs-azerbaijan-in-the-csto-new-mpg-poll-elections-ep-62-may-23-2021/Tue, 25 May 2021 20:12:36 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/62-emil-sanamyan-border-update-leaked-docs-azerbaijan-in-the-csto-new-mpg-poll-elections-ep-62-may-23-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Border update, and Leaked documents. Azerbaijan membership in the CSTO? New MPG Poll on the Armenian Elections.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/62/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/61-azerbaijan-s-incursion-into-syunik-lavrov-s-visit-to-yerevan-and-baku-electoral-politics-ep-61-may-16-2021/Mon, 17 May 2021 02:44:41 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/61-azerbaijan-s-incursion-into-syunik-lavrov-s-visit-to-yerevan-and-baku-electoral-politics-ep-61-may-16-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/61-azerbaijan-s-incursion-into-syunik-lavrov-s-visit-to-yerevan-and-baku-electoral-politics-ep-61-may-16-2021/Mon, 17 May 2021 02:44:41 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/61-azerbaijan-s-incursion-into-syunik-lavrov-s-visit-to-yerevan-and-baku-electoral-politics-ep-61-may-16-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijan&rsquo;s Incursion into Syunik. Lavrov&rsquo;s Visit to Yerevan and Baku. Electoral Politics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/61/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/60-armenia-russia-iran-russia-iran-armenia-election-latest-polls-sargsyan-ep-60-may-2-2021/Mon, 03 May 2021 01:27:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/60-armenia-russia-iran-russia-iran-armenia-election-latest-polls-sargsyan-ep-60-may-2-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/60-armenia-russia-iran-russia-iran-armenia-election-latest-polls-sargsyan-ep-60-may-2-2021/Mon, 03 May 2021 01:27:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/60-armenia-russia-iran-russia-iran-armenia-election-latest-polls-sargsyan-ep-60-may-2-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia-Russia Relations and the New Cold War. Iran-Russia and Iran-Armenia Relations. Election Politics and the Latest MPG Polls. Serge Sargsyan&rsquo;s Interview.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/60/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/59-pm-s-roadmap-na-polls-syunik-recognized-stepanakert-armenians-in-space-ep-59-apr-25-2021/Mon, 26 Apr 2021 00:46:17 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/59-pm-s-roadmap-na-polls-syunik-recognized-stepanakert-armenians-in-space-ep-59-apr-25-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/59-pm-s-roadmap-na-polls-syunik-recognized-stepanakert-armenians-in-space-ep-59-apr-25-2021/Mon, 26 Apr 2021 00:46:17 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/59-pm-s-roadmap-na-polls-syunik-recognized-stepanakert-armenians-in-space-ep-59-apr-25-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Nikol Pashinyan&rsquo;s Roadmap &amp; Snap Parliamentary Polls. The Visit to Syunik. Biden Recognizes the Armenian Genocide, Now What? Update from Stepanakert. Are we Going to Mars?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/59/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/58-viken-hovsepian-armenians-at-a-crossroad-ep-58-04-17-2021/Fri, 16 Apr 2021 23:48:25 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/58-viken-hovsepian-armenians-at-a-crossroad-ep-58-04-17-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/58-viken-hovsepian-armenians-at-a-crossroad-ep-58-04-17-2021/Fri, 16 Apr 2021 23:48:25 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/58-viken-hovsepian-armenians-at-a-crossroad-ep-58-04-17-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Last Few Years in Armenian Politics. Thoughts on the Second War in Artsakh. What is the Role of the Diaspora? How do we get back on our Feet? Thoughts on the Current Rift in the ARF.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/58/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/57-mr-pashinyan-goes-to-moscow-election-politics-the-pow-debacle-a-coronavirus-update-the-state-of-the-economy-ep-57-apr-11-2021/Tue, 13 Apr 2021 04:07:38 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/57-mr-pashinyan-goes-to-moscow-election-politics-the-pow-debacle-a-coronavirus-update-the-state-of-the-economy-ep-57-apr-11-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/57-mr-pashinyan-goes-to-moscow-election-politics-the-pow-debacle-a-coronavirus-update-the-state-of-the-economy-ep-57-apr-11-2021/Tue, 13 Apr 2021 04:07:38 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/57-mr-pashinyan-goes-to-moscow-election-politics-the-pow-debacle-a-coronavirus-update-the-state-of-the-economy-ep-57-apr-11-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Mr. Pashinyan goes to Moscow. Election Politics. The POW debacle. A Coronavirus Update. The State of the Economy.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/57/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/56-kocharyan-case-electoral-reforms-new-gallup-poll-ukraine-heating-up-ep-56-apr-4-2021/Mon, 05 Apr 2021 03:07:13 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/56-kocharyan-case-electoral-reforms-new-gallup-poll-ukraine-heating-up-ep-56-apr-4-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/56-kocharyan-case-electoral-reforms-new-gallup-poll-ukraine-heating-up-ep-56-apr-4-2021/Mon, 05 Apr 2021 03:07:13 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/56-kocharyan-case-electoral-reforms-new-gallup-poll-ukraine-heating-up-ep-56-apr-4-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Kocharyan&rsquo;s Prosecutors Won&rsquo;t Go Away. Snap Electoral Reforms. New Gallup poll. What&rsquo;s Going on in Ukraine?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/56/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/55-national-security-general-staff-armed-forces-defense-budget-syunik-ep-55-mar-28-2021/Mon, 29 Mar 2021 02:06:43 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/55-national-security-general-staff-armed-forces-defense-budget-syunik-ep-55-mar-28-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/55-national-security-general-staff-armed-forces-defense-budget-syunik-ep-55-mar-28-2021/Mon, 29 Mar 2021 02:06:43 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/55-national-security-general-staff-armed-forces-defense-budget-syunik-ep-55-mar-28-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>What&rsquo;s Going on with the Armed Forces? Turkey: Enemy No More? What Just Happened in the General Staff? Morale and Readiness of the Armed Forces. The Defense Budget.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/55/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/54-emil-sanamyan-david-davidian-early-elections-on-june-20th-gas-through-azerbaijan-military-exercises/Tue, 23 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/54-emil-sanamyan-david-davidian-early-elections-on-june-20th-gas-through-azerbaijan-military-exercises/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/54-emil-sanamyan-david-davidian-early-elections-on-june-20th-gas-through-azerbaijan-military-exercises/Tue, 23 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/54-emil-sanamyan-david-davidian-early-elections-on-june-20th-gas-through-azerbaijan-military-exercises/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Snap On - June 20th! Gas Through Azerbaijan. Military Exercises by Armenia and Azerbaijan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/54/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/53-latest-iri-poll-results-armen-grigoryan-interview-snap-on-snap-off-ep-53-03-14-2021/Mon, 15 Mar 2021 17:51:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/53-latest-iri-poll-results-armen-grigoryan-interview-snap-on-snap-off-ep-53-03-14-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/53-latest-iri-poll-results-armen-grigoryan-interview-snap-on-snap-off-ep-53-03-14-2021/Mon, 15 Mar 2021 17:51:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/53-latest-iri-poll-results-armen-grigoryan-interview-snap-on-snap-off-ep-53-03-14-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Newly Released IRI Poll Results. Armen Grigoryan&rsquo;s Interview. Snap On, Snap Off!</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/53/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/52-david-davidian-george-tabakian-iskander-relations-with-russia-attempted-coup-opposition-boeing-737-hijacked/Sun, 28 Feb 2021 23:18:20 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/52-david-davidian-george-tabakian-iskander-relations-with-russia-attempted-coup-opposition-boeing-737-hijacked/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/52-david-davidian-george-tabakian-iskander-relations-with-russia-attempted-coup-opposition-boeing-737-hijacked/Sun, 28 Feb 2021 23:18:20 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/52-david-davidian-george-tabakian-iskander-relations-with-russia-attempted-coup-opposition-boeing-737-hijacked/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Wait, Did Armenia Use the Iskander to Blow Up its Relations With Russia? Wait, Was There a Coup? The Opposition Picks up Steam. Wait, was The 737 Hijacked?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/52/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/51-sargsyan-interview-criminalizing-defamation-appointments-during-martial-law-opp-protests-on-feb-20-govsagan-in-the-end-ep-51/Wed, 24 Feb 2021 02:07:32 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/51-sargsyan-interview-criminalizing-defamation-appointments-during-martial-law-opp-protests-on-feb-20-govsagan-in-the-end-ep-51/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/51-sargsyan-interview-criminalizing-defamation-appointments-during-martial-law-opp-protests-on-feb-20-govsagan-in-the-end-ep-51/Wed, 24 Feb 2021 02:07:32 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/51-sargsyan-interview-criminalizing-defamation-appointments-during-martial-law-opp-protests-on-feb-20-govsagan-in-the-end-ep-51/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>President Sargsyan&rsquo;s Interview. Legislation to Criminalize Defamation of Government Officials. Appointment of Acting Governors and Mayors during Martial Law. Opposition Protests on Feb 20. Govsagan, in the end.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/51/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/50-armen-der-giureghian-armenia-s-earthquake-preparedness-with/Sun, 21 Feb 2021 21:31:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/50-armen-der-giureghian-armenia-s-earthquake-preparedness-with/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/50-armen-der-giureghian-armenia-s-earthquake-preparedness-with/Sun, 21 Feb 2021 21:31:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/50-armen-der-giureghian-armenia-s-earthquake-preparedness-with/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Was it an Earthquake? Have Construction Codes Improved since 1988? Do Contractors Comply with Regulations? Is Armenia Ready for The Big One? Is there Earthquake Preparedness in Armenia?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/50/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/49-syunik-confidential-developments-in-artsakh-snap-elections-flip-flop-ep-49/Wed, 17 Feb 2021 00:52:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/49-syunik-confidential-developments-in-artsakh-snap-elections-flip-flop-ep-49/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/49-syunik-confidential-developments-in-artsakh-snap-elections-flip-flop-ep-49/Wed, 17 Feb 2021 00:52:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/49-syunik-confidential-developments-in-artsakh-snap-elections-flip-flop-ep-49/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Syunik Confidential. Developments in Artsakh. Snap elections flip flop.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/49/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/48-lost-in-artsakh-law-on-mass-media-political-scene-in-yerevan-economic-outlook-ep-48/Tue, 09 Feb 2021 04:55:12 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/48-lost-in-artsakh-law-on-mass-media-political-scene-in-yerevan-economic-outlook-ep-48/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/48-lost-in-artsakh-law-on-mass-media-political-scene-in-yerevan-economic-outlook-ep-48/Tue, 09 Feb 2021 04:55:12 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/48-lost-in-artsakh-law-on-mass-media-political-scene-in-yerevan-economic-outlook-ep-48/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Lost in Artsakh, Thirsty in Syunik. Amending the Law on Mass Media. Update on the Political Scene in Yerevan. Rising National Debt, Inflation and Interest Rates.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/48/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/47-constitutional-amendment-opp-rising-zarif-tour-virus-update-armenia-fund-the-dram-ep-47/Tue, 02 Feb 2021 00:17:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/47-constitutional-amendment-opp-rising-zarif-tour-virus-update-armenia-fund-the-dram-ep-47/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/47-constitutional-amendment-opp-rising-zarif-tour-virus-update-armenia-fund-the-dram-ep-47/Tue, 02 Feb 2021 00:17:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/47-constitutional-amendment-opp-rising-zarif-tour-virus-update-armenia-fund-the-dram-ep-47/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Another Constitutional Amendment? Opposition Rising: New Bottle, Old Wine? Iran&rsquo;s FM Zarif on a Tour de Six. State of the Virus in Armenia. Armenia Fund Used to Shore up the Dram?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/47/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/46-ruben-muradyan-serving-in-the-44-day-war-01-31-2021-ep-46/Sun, 31 Jan 2021 22:52:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/46-ruben-muradyan-serving-in-the-44-day-war-01-31-2021-ep-46/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/46-ruben-muradyan-serving-in-the-44-day-war-01-31-2021-ep-46/Sun, 31 Jan 2021 22:52:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/46-ruben-muradyan-serving-in-the-44-day-war-01-31-2021-ep-46/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian IT Security and Readiness During Wartime - with Ruben Muradyan - Jan. 31, 2021. Experience being called up and participating in the war. Ethics of a security professional. What to do when a government member asks you to conduct greyhat (potentially unlawful or unethical) security?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/46/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/45-supreme-judicial-council-turk-azerbaijani-military-exercises-in-kars-blinken-on-armenia/Mon, 25 Jan 2021 22:13:12 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/45-supreme-judicial-council-turk-azerbaijani-military-exercises-in-kars-blinken-on-armenia/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/45-supreme-judicial-council-turk-azerbaijani-military-exercises-in-kars-blinken-on-armenia/Mon, 25 Jan 2021 22:13:12 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/45-supreme-judicial-council-turk-azerbaijani-military-exercises-in-kars-blinken-on-armenia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Supreme Judicial Council Appointments. Turkish-Azerbaijan Military Exercises in Kars Region. Incoming US Secretary of State Tony Blinken on Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/45/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/44-opposition-talks-armen-ashotyan-of-the-rpa-hhk-01-19-2021/Tue, 19 Jan 2021 21:29:42 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/44-opposition-talks-armen-ashotyan-of-the-rpa-hhk-01-19-2021/<h1 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h1> <ul> <li>It’s been just over two years since the 2018 elections that resulted in the RPA, the Republican Party of Armenia, became an extra-parliamentary party for the first time in over two decades. There have been many questions about what exactly happened in 2018. What happened in April-May, what took place in October, and then what happened during the elections in December?</li> <li>Vazgen Manukyan has been critical of foreign-funded Western NGOs and during his various speeches he has talked about more regulation for such funding. Does that also represent the RPA’s position? Where does the RPA stand on these NGOs?</li> <li>The Homeland Salvation Movement has accused Nikol Pashinyan of treason for signing the capitulation agreement of Nov 9/10. We also heard your movement raise alarm signals prior to Pashinyan’s trip to Moscon on January 11, with the movement warning that:</li> <li>“any decision taken against the interests of Armenia and Artsakh will be recognized as illegitimate, will be rejected by the Armenian people, will not be ratified and will be annulled after the change of power.”</li> </ul> <h1 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h1> <ul> <li>Do you believe that the January 11 agreement to open rail communications was against the interests of Armenia or Artsakh?</li> <li>If, as the opposition claims, Pashinyan truly is a traitor then many, even among your supporters, are wondering why the movement isn’t more active in protesting or removing Pashinyan? Why aren’t there more people in the streets?</li> <li>What is your party’s position on the electoral reform currently being discussed in the NA? On that note why did the RPA not vote for the government’s proposal to reduce the threshold for parties and electoral alliances to 4% and 6% respectively back in 2018?</li> <li>What were the lessons learned from the results of the December 2018 elections for the RPA? What is your party’s vision for Armenia and for RPA’s role in that new Armenia, over the next 5-10 years?</li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="don"><strong>Don&rsquo;t forget to support us:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/44-opposition-talks-armen-ashotyan-of-the-rpa-hhk-01-19-2021/Tue, 19 Jan 2021 21:29:42 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/44-opposition-talks-armen-ashotyan-of-the-rpa-hhk-01-19-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>What took place in 2018? Why did RPA support Vazgen Manukyan as PM candidate? Nov. 9/10 ceasefire agreement &amp; Jan 11 statement. Is the RPA truly serious about removing Pashinyan? Why hasn’t the opposition mobilized more people onto the streets? Lessons learned from Dec. 2018 elections.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/44/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/43-pashinyan-moscow-trip-azerbaijan-s-geo-political-situation-domestic-politics-in-baku-azerbaijan-s-losses-in-the-war-ep-43/Mon, 18 Jan 2021 19:31:52 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/43-pashinyan-moscow-trip-azerbaijan-s-geo-political-situation-domestic-politics-in-baku-azerbaijan-s-losses-in-the-war-ep-43/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/43-pashinyan-moscow-trip-azerbaijan-s-geo-political-situation-domestic-politics-in-baku-azerbaijan-s-losses-in-the-war-ep-43/Mon, 18 Jan 2021 19:31:52 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/43-pashinyan-moscow-trip-azerbaijan-s-geo-political-situation-domestic-politics-in-baku-azerbaijan-s-losses-in-the-war-ep-43/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Outcomes from Nikol Pashinyan&rsquo;s trip to Moscow. What is Azerbaijan&rsquo;s geo-political situation after the war? Domestic politics in Baku. Azerbaijan&rsquo;s losses from the second war in Artsakh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/43/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/42-ruben-melikyan-human-rights-armenian-pow-sjc-border-demarcation-november-2020-agreement-20210118/Mon, 18 Jan 2021 01:05:47 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/42-ruben-melikyan-human-rights-armenian-pow-sjc-border-demarcation-november-2020-agreement-20210118/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <p><strong>Questions:</strong> As a former human rights ombudsman in Karabakh, what has been your experience on the topic of prisoners of war?</p> <p>Point 8 of the Nov 9 statement governs the exchange of prisoners and we’ve previously heard that they’re supposed to be exchanged based on the principle of all for all, meaning Armenia hands over all of prisoners in its custody and Azerbaijan vice-versa.</p> <p>The issue of POW exchange is also codified in international conventions, such as the Geneva Convention.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/42-ruben-melikyan-human-rights-armenian-pow-sjc-border-demarcation-november-2020-agreement-20210118/Mon, 18 Jan 2021 01:05:47 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/42-ruben-melikyan-human-rights-armenian-pow-sjc-border-demarcation-november-2020-agreement-20210118/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Why are there Armenian POWs still in Azerbaijan so long after the Nov. 9 ceasefire agreement? On Constitutional Court judges being forced to resign. On Parliament’s endorsement of Gagik Jahangiryan’s appointment to the Supreme Judicial Council, and legal reforms. On the realignment of the Armenia-Azerbaijan line of contact, border demarcation and delineation, and verbal agreements.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/42/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/41-conversation-with-aram-vardevanyan/Wed, 13 Jan 2021 19:24:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/41-conversation-with-aram-vardevanyan/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/41-conversation-with-aram-vardevanyan/Wed, 13 Jan 2021 19:24:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/41-conversation-with-aram-vardevanyan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>About the criminal cases against Robert Kocharyan. Is PM Pashinyan&rsquo;s signing of the Nov. 9 Agreement legal? How can Armenia&rsquo;s borders be changed? What is the legal process to removing the Prime Minister? How does diplomatic immunity work for the PM, presidents?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/41/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/40-state-of-the-opposition-update-on-am-az-border-positions-state-of-the-artsakh-loc/Mon, 11 Jan 2021 21:32:50 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/40-state-of-the-opposition-update-on-am-az-border-positions-state-of-the-artsakh-loc/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/40-state-of-the-opposition-update-on-am-az-border-positions-state-of-the-artsakh-loc/Mon, 11 Jan 2021 21:32:50 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/40-state-of-the-opposition-update-on-am-az-border-positions-state-of-the-artsakh-loc/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The State of the Opposition and their demands. Update on the Border Positions between Armenia &amp; Azerbaijan. The State of the Line of Contact around Artsakh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/40/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/39-conversation-with-my-step-s-maria-karapetyan/Fri, 08 Jan 2021 13:44:29 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/39-conversation-with-my-step-s-maria-karapetyan/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/39-conversation-with-my-step-s-maria-karapetyan/Fri, 08 Jan 2021 13:44:29 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/39-conversation-with-my-step-s-maria-karapetyan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Dynamics between Civil Contract and My Step. Was Parliament aware of about the Nov. 9 Agreement? Thoughts on the post-Agreement political stand-off. Electoral Code Changes My Step is working on? State of the Fight Against Corruption.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/39/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/38-arevik-anapiosyan-on-research-in-policy-making-and-implementation-ep-38/Sun, 03 Jan 2021 15:09:27 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/38-arevik-anapiosyan-on-research-in-policy-making-and-implementation-ep-38/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/38-arevik-anapiosyan-on-research-in-policy-making-and-implementation-ep-38/Sun, 03 Jan 2021 15:09:27 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/38-arevik-anapiosyan-on-research-in-policy-making-and-implementation-ep-38/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Talks with. Editors.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/38/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/37-tevan-poghosyan-on-diplomacy-war-and-the-way-forward-37-dec-29-2020/Tue, 29 Dec 2020 04:24:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/37-tevan-poghosyan-on-diplomacy-war-and-the-way-forward-37-dec-29-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/37-tevan-poghosyan-on-diplomacy-war-and-the-way-forward-37-dec-29-2020/Tue, 29 Dec 2020 04:24:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/37-tevan-poghosyan-on-diplomacy-war-and-the-way-forward-37-dec-29-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>On track two diplomacy in Armenian-Azerbaijani &amp; Armenian-Turkish relations. State of the Karabakh negotiations prior to the September war. What were the key events that put us on a warpath? What factors led to Armenia losing the war? Internal Armenian politics. Is Armenia a failed state?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/37/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/36-opposition-talks-edmon-marukyan-of-bright-armenia-party/Wed, 23 Dec 2020 05:32:29 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/36-opposition-talks-edmon-marukyan-of-bright-armenia-party/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/36-opposition-talks-edmon-marukyan-of-bright-armenia-party/Wed, 23 Dec 2020 05:32:29 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/36-opposition-talks-edmon-marukyan-of-bright-armenia-party/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Position on the causes of the war &amp; Nov. 9 ceasefire? Why BA has not joined Movement for Salvation of Homeland? Popular support for opposition protests. BA commonality and differences with &ldquo;The 17&rdquo;. Electoral reform and snap election proposal by government.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/36/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/35-life-in-artsakh-hin-tagher-khtsaberd-political-scene-in-yerevan-kapan-border-tension-ep-35/Tue, 22 Dec 2020 19:49:28 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/35-life-in-artsakh-hin-tagher-khtsaberd-political-scene-in-yerevan-kapan-border-tension-ep-35/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/35-life-in-artsakh-hin-tagher-khtsaberd-political-scene-in-yerevan-kapan-border-tension-ep-35/Tue, 22 Dec 2020 19:49:28 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/35-life-in-artsakh-hin-tagher-khtsaberd-political-scene-in-yerevan-kapan-border-tension-ep-35/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Life in Artsakh. Update on Hin Tagher &amp; Khtsaberd. Internal Political Situation in Yerevan. Kapan Border Tension.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/35/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/34-arthur-khachatryan-of-the-arf-dashnaktsutyun-opposition-talks/Sat, 19 Dec 2020 02:38:51 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/34-arthur-khachatryan-of-the-arf-dashnaktsutyun-opposition-talks/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/34-arthur-khachatryan-of-the-arf-dashnaktsutyun-opposition-talks/Sat, 19 Dec 2020 02:38:51 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/34-arthur-khachatryan-of-the-arf-dashnaktsutyun-opposition-talks/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Following the trilateral Karabakh ceasefire of Nov 9, the Armenian opposition has nearly universally condemned Nikol Pashinyan&rsquo;s agreement to the deal. The largest opposition grouping, called Movement of the Salvation of the Homeland (Հայրենիքի փրկության շաժում in Armenian), composed of 17 political. This group has been holding regular protests featuring a growing number of participants, with the latest gathering Wednesday, December 17, estimated to be 20K in size.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/33-renewed-fighting-the-osce-mg-border-demarcation-fate-of-sotq-diplomatic-relations-ep-33/Mon, 14 Dec 2020 04:53:56 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/33-renewed-fighting-the-osce-mg-border-demarcation-fate-of-sotq-diplomatic-relations-ep-33/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/33-renewed-fighting-the-osce-mg-border-demarcation-fate-of-sotq-diplomatic-relations-ep-33/Mon, 14 Dec 2020 04:53:56 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/33-renewed-fighting-the-osce-mg-border-demarcation-fate-of-sotq-diplomatic-relations-ep-33/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Renewed Fighting &amp; the OSCE MG visit. Expedited Border Demarcation? What will happen to Sotq? Diplomatic Relations with Azerbaijan? Asbed Bedrossian.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/33/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/32-the-role-of-the-humanities-and-social-studies-in-armenian-life-ep-32/Mon, 14 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/32-the-role-of-the-humanities-and-social-studies-in-armenian-life-ep-32/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/32-the-role-of-the-humanities-and-social-studies-in-armenian-life-ep-32/Mon, 14 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/32-the-role-of-the-humanities-and-social-studies-in-armenian-life-ep-32/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Role of The Humanities and Social Studies in Armenian Life - 12/13/2020. Academia and academic work, especially in the fields of humanities and social sciences, has always been instrumentalized by various ideologies and/or political regimes. The challenge of having robust disciplines in humanities and social sciences in Armenia is manifold. These include encouraging critical thinking void of ideology, the role of.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/32/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/31-artsakh-karabakh-from-a-russian-foreign-policy-perspective-ep-31/Fri, 11 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/31-artsakh-karabakh-from-a-russian-foreign-policy-perspective-ep-31/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/31-artsakh-karabakh-from-a-russian-foreign-policy-perspective-ep-31/Fri, 11 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/31-artsakh-karabakh-from-a-russian-foreign-policy-perspective-ep-31/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>On November 9, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia signed The Statement ending the war in Artsakh, known more commonly as Nagorno-Karabakh. Russia emerged as a major winner, by. Why is the South Caucasus so important to Russia? Are Russia&rsquo;s interests the same as they were 200 years ago, as an expanding power in the region? Why is Karabakh important enough for Moscow to commit its troops?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/31/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/30-turkey-and-azerbaijan-connecting-armenia-s-political-opposition-uniting-does-putin-support-pashinyan-robert-kocharyan-interview-ep-30/Mon, 07 Dec 2020 03:07:26 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/30-turkey-and-azerbaijan-connecting-armenia-s-political-opposition-uniting-does-putin-support-pashinyan-robert-kocharyan-interview-ep-30/<h2 id="turkey-and-azerbaijan-connecting">Turkey and Azerbaijan Connecting</h2> <p>In The Statement of November 10, it looked like Point 9 was a late addition which Turkey and Azerbaijan decided that, in a moment when Armenia was at a gunpoint and out of options, they would throw in everything and the kitchen sink in the agreement. It reads:</p> <pre><code>* All economic activity and transport links in the region are to be unrestricted. The Republic of Armenia guarantees the safety of transport links between western regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic in order to organize the unimpeded movement of citizens, vehicles and cargo in both directions. Transport control is carried out by the bodies of the Border Service of the FSB of Russia. By agreement of the Parties, the construction of new infrastructure linking the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic with regions of Azerbaijan is to take place. </code></pre> <p><strong>Question:</strong> What are the goals of this point?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/30-turkey-and-azerbaijan-connecting-armenia-s-political-opposition-uniting-does-putin-support-pashinyan-robert-kocharyan-interview-ep-30/Mon, 07 Dec 2020 03:07:26 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/30-turkey-and-azerbaijan-connecting-armenia-s-political-opposition-uniting-does-putin-support-pashinyan-robert-kocharyan-interview-ep-30/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Turkey and Azerbaijan Connecting. Armenia’s Political Opposition Uniting. Does Putin support Pashinyan? Robert Kocharyan Interview.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/30/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/29-border-demarcation-between-armenia-and-azerbaijan-the-scene-in-yerevan-covid-update-armenia-fund-support-for-the-post-war-economy-ep-29/Fri, 04 Dec 2020 18:51:09 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/29-border-demarcation-between-armenia-and-azerbaijan-the-scene-in-yerevan-covid-update-armenia-fund-support-for-the-post-war-economy-ep-29/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/29-border-demarcation-between-armenia-and-azerbaijan-the-scene-in-yerevan-covid-update-armenia-fund-support-for-the-post-war-economy-ep-29/Fri, 04 Dec 2020 18:51:09 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/29-border-demarcation-between-armenia-and-azerbaijan-the-scene-in-yerevan-covid-update-armenia-fund-support-for-the-post-war-economy-ep-29/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Border Demarcation between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Scene in Yerevan. COVID Update. Armenia Fund support for the post-war Economy. Asbed Bedrossian.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/29/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/28-pietro-shakarian-anastas-mikoyan-armenian-life-and-times-reformer-kremlin-soviet-nationalities/Fri, 04 Dec 2020 00:12:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/28-pietro-shakarian-anastas-mikoyan-armenian-life-and-times-reformer-kremlin-soviet-nationalities/<p>Born in 1895 in Sanahin, Armenia, Anastas Mikoyan rose to become the most influential Soviet statesman of Armenian origin. A political survivor, he navigated the power struggles of every Soviet regime from Lenin to Brezhnev, at one point becoming Khrushchev’s right-hand man and the second most powerful figure in the USSR. His legacy remains controversial and complex.<br> Today on <strong>Groong</strong>, we take a closer look at this extraordinary and enigmatic figure.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/28-pietro-shakarian-anastas-mikoyan-armenian-life-and-times-reformer-kremlin-soviet-nationalities/Fri, 04 Dec 2020 00:12:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/28-pietro-shakarian-anastas-mikoyan-armenian-life-and-times-reformer-kremlin-soviet-nationalities/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Born in 1895 in Sanahin, Armenia, Anastas Mikoyan rose to become the most influential Soviet statesman of Armenian origin. A political survivor, he navigated the power struggles of every Soviet regime from Lenin to Brezhnev, at one point becoming Khrushchev’s right-hand man and the second most powerful figure in the USSR. His legacy remains controversial and complex. Today on Groong, we take a closer look at this extraordinary and enigmatic figure.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/27-the-war-ends-who-won-and-who-lost-pax-russiana-the-extent-of-turkey-s-presence-in-azerbaijan-jubilation-in-baku-ep-27/Wed, 18 Nov 2020 16:34:21 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/27-the-war-ends-who-won-and-who-lost-pax-russiana-the-extent-of-turkey-s-presence-in-azerbaijan-jubilation-in-baku-ep-27/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/27-the-war-ends-who-won-and-who-lost-pax-russiana-the-extent-of-turkey-s-presence-in-azerbaijan-jubilation-in-baku-ep-27/Wed, 18 Nov 2020 16:34:21 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/27-the-war-ends-who-won-and-who-lost-pax-russiana-the-extent-of-turkey-s-presence-in-azerbaijan-jubilation-in-baku-ep-27/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The war ends. What are the terms of the deal? Pax Russiana. The extent of Turkey&rsquo;s presence in Azerbaijan. Jubilation in Baku. Asbed Bedrossian.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/27/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/26-six-weeks-of-war-what-is-russia-thinking-to-recognize-or-not-to-recognize-ep-26/Thu, 12 Nov 2020 05:10:43 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/26-six-weeks-of-war-what-is-russia-thinking-to-recognize-or-not-to-recognize-ep-26/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/26-six-weeks-of-war-what-is-russia-thinking-to-recognize-or-not-to-recognize-ep-26/Thu, 12 Nov 2020 05:10:43 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/26-six-weeks-of-war-what-is-russia-thinking-to-recognize-or-not-to-recognize-ep-26/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Six weeks of war, what to do next. What is Russia thinking? To recognize or not to recognize. Asbed Bedrossian. Hovik Manucharyan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/26/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/25-war-diplomacy-minsk-group-iran-geneva-support-from-ex-presidents-update-on-war-ep-25/Tue, 03 Nov 2020 05:55:02 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/25-war-diplomacy-minsk-group-iran-geneva-support-from-ex-presidents-update-on-war-ep-25/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/25-war-diplomacy-minsk-group-iran-geneva-support-from-ex-presidents-update-on-war-ep-25/Tue, 03 Nov 2020 05:55:02 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/25-war-diplomacy-minsk-group-iran-geneva-support-from-ex-presidents-update-on-war-ep-25/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Summary of diplomatic activities. Iranian mediation offers. Negotiations in Geneva. Support from ex-presidents. Latest update on the war.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/25/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/24-cog-artsakh-in-the-arab-media-24-oct-28-2020/Mon, 02 Nov 2020 15:22:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/24-cog-artsakh-in-the-arab-media-24-oct-28-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/24-cog-artsakh-in-the-arab-media-24-oct-28-2020/Mon, 02 Nov 2020 15:22:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/24-cog-artsakh-in-the-arab-media-24-oct-28-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Artsakh in the Arab Media - Oct 28, 2020. Since September 27, Azerbaijan has been waging an all out war on Artsakh, cluster-bombing towns and villages and killing civilians and destroying churches and cultural centers,. We&rsquo;ve read much about the Diaspora&rsquo;s activities around most of the world, but what about the Arab world? This episode explores some of the challenges and opportunities that the.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/24/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/23-international-diplomacy-turkey-s-endgame-war-and-post-war-economy-update-on-covid-ep-23/Wed, 28 Oct 2020 18:12:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/23-international-diplomacy-turkey-s-endgame-war-and-post-war-economy-update-on-covid-ep-23/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/23-international-diplomacy-turkey-s-endgame-war-and-post-war-economy-update-on-covid-ep-23/Wed, 28 Oct 2020 18:12:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/23-international-diplomacy-turkey-s-endgame-war-and-post-war-economy-update-on-covid-ep-23/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>International diplomacy on the move? What is Turkey&rsquo;s endgame? War and post-war economy. Update on COVID.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/23/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/22-artsakh-war-back-to-9-27-war-council-proposal-diaspora-mobilization-ep-22/Wed, 21 Oct 2020 07:36:46 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/22-artsakh-war-back-to-9-27-war-council-proposal-diaspora-mobilization-ep-22/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/22-artsakh-war-back-to-9-27-war-council-proposal-diaspora-mobilization-ep-22/Wed, 21 Oct 2020 07:36:46 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/22-artsakh-war-back-to-9-27-war-council-proposal-diaspora-mobilization-ep-22/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In retrospect: Tracing our steps back to Sep. 27. Call from extra-parliamentary opposition for a War Council. Mobilization of the Armenian diaspora. Asbed Bedrossian. Hovik Manucharyan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/22/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/21-war-in-artsakh-security-situation-diplomatic-activity-humanitarian-impact-ep-21/Tue, 13 Oct 2020 16:47:49 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/21-war-in-artsakh-security-situation-diplomatic-activity-humanitarian-impact-ep-21/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/21-war-in-artsakh-security-situation-diplomatic-activity-humanitarian-impact-ep-21/Tue, 13 Oct 2020 16:47:49 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/21-war-in-artsakh-security-situation-diplomatic-activity-humanitarian-impact-ep-21/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Security situation on the ground. Diplomatic activity, short &amp; long term goals. Humanitarian impact in Artsakh &amp; Armenia. Effect of social media on the war. Asbed Bedrossian.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/21/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20-stepanakert-cluster-bombed-turkey-s-role-russia-quiet-what-s-next-october-4-2020/Mon, 05 Oct 2020 17:05:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20-stepanakert-cluster-bombed-turkey-s-role-russia-quiet-what-s-next-october-4-2020/<h2 id="war-azerbaijan-attacks-artsakh">War: Azerbaijan attacks Artsakh!</h2> <p>This episode of the podcast was fully devoted to the war in Artsakh. It was recorded on the morning of Saturday, Oct 3 Pacific time while one of our guests, Varuzhan Geghamyan was in Stepanakert as the city was undergoing constant bombardment.</p> <p>Unfortunately, the air assault on Stepanakert and other civilian areas of Artsakh seems to have only intensified with more active use of cluster bombs, long-range missiles and suicide drones. As of early Monday morning (Pacific time) we have confirmed that Varuzhan is OK though he communicated that the situation is dangerous as the city is still under constant bombardment.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/20-stepanakert-cluster-bombed-turkey-s-role-russia-quiet-what-s-next-october-4-2020/Mon, 05 Oct 2020 17:05:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/20-stepanakert-cluster-bombed-turkey-s-role-russia-quiet-what-s-next-october-4-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Stepanakert under persistent bombardment using banned cluster bombs. Turkey’s role in the war. Why is Russia quiet? What can we expect next?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/20/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/19-jirair-libaridian-thomas-de-waal-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-in-regional-context/Sat, 03 Oct 2020 23:03:56 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/19-jirair-libaridian-thomas-de-waal-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-in-regional-context/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/19-jirair-libaridian-thomas-de-waal-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-in-regional-context/Sat, 03 Oct 2020 23:03:56 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/19-jirair-libaridian-thomas-de-waal-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-in-regional-context/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>It has now been 7 days since Azerbaijan initiated a wide-scale attack against Armenia and Artsakh. The tragic news of deaths and destruction continue to stream in every hour. In today&rsquo;s conversation on Groong, we talk to Jirair Libaridian and Thomas DeWaal about the regional geopolitics that helped create a ripe environment for renewed fighting and. Questions explored.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/19/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/18-ann-groong-wir-18-sep-27-2020/Mon, 28 Sep 2020 07:11:35 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/18-ann-groong-wir-18-sep-27-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/18-ann-groong-wir-18-sep-27-2020/Mon, 28 Sep 2020 07:11:35 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/18-ann-groong-wir-18-sep-27-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The 29th Anniversary of Armenian Independence. Armenia&rsquo;s foreign policy. Azerbaijan war of disinformation; and lastly. Opposition trio rally and Tsarukyan&rsquo;s arrest.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/18/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/16-ann-groong-wir-16-sep-20-2020/Mon, 21 Sep 2020 03:41:32 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/16-ann-groong-wir-16-sep-20-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/16-ann-groong-wir-16-sep-20-2020/Mon, 21 Sep 2020 03:41:32 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/16-ann-groong-wir-16-sep-20-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Constitutional Court Appointment. Armenia&rsquo;s Growing National Debt. Calls for the Resignation of the Minister of Education. Escalated Tensions on the Armenian-Azerbaijan border. Armenian Soldier dies amidst escalation.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/16/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/15-david-sandukhchyan-telecommunications-security-in-armenia-15-sep-15-2020/Tue, 15 Sep 2020 05:17:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/15-david-sandukhchyan-telecommunications-security-in-armenia-15-sep-15-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/15-david-sandukhchyan-telecommunications-security-in-armenia-15-sep-15-2020/Tue, 15 Sep 2020 05:17:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/15-david-sandukhchyan-telecommunications-security-in-armenia-15-sep-15-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Background and formulation of the telecoms market in Armenia. Telecommunications market in Armenia started with the monopoly of the incumbent operator ArmenTel owned jointly by Greek state owned company OTE (90%) and Armenian government. In 2007 OTE sold its shares to Vimpelcom, a Russian private company operated under Beeline trademark. Shortly after that Armenian government agreed to sell Vimplecom remained.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/15/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/14-ann-groong-wir-14-sep-13-2020/Mon, 14 Sep 2020 02:47:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/14-ann-groong-wir-14-sep-13-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/14-ann-groong-wir-14-sep-13-2020/Mon, 14 Sep 2020 02:47:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/14-ann-groong-wir-14-sep-13-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Electoral Reforms in Armenia. Journalist Dana Mazalová passes away. ANSEF Reorganization. My Step MP Arsen Julfalakyan Resigns from Parliament. Russian Opposition Leader Navalny&rsquo;s Poisoning and Recovery.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/14/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/13-ann-groong-wir-13-sep-6-2020/Mon, 07 Sep 2020 02:19:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/13-ann-groong-wir-13-sep-6-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/13-ann-groong-wir-13-sep-6-2020/Mon, 07 Sep 2020 02:19:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/13-ann-groong-wir-13-sep-6-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Adios Madrid? A New Repatriation Package &amp; iGorts. Adios Torosyan? Update on Covid in Armenia / State of Emergency. Panelist Soapboxes.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/13/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/12-cog-judicial-reforms-data-protection-and-privacy-in-armenia-12-sep-5-2020/Sun, 06 Sep 2020 02:19:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/12-cog-judicial-reforms-data-protection-and-privacy-in-armenia-12-sep-5-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/12-cog-judicial-reforms-data-protection-and-privacy-in-armenia-12-sep-5-2020/Sun, 06 Sep 2020 02:19:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/12-cog-judicial-reforms-data-protection-and-privacy-in-armenia-12-sep-5-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia has European grade laws in the areas of finance, business, data protection and privacy. What is preventing Armenia from achieving its full potential in foreign direct. Our Guest is. David Sandukhchyan is a lawyer with 20 years of experience in telecommunications, cyber law, media and personal data protection. He started his legal career as an Internet.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/12/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/11-ann-groong-wir-11-aug-30-2020/Sun, 30 Aug 2020 20:17:35 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/11-ann-groong-wir-11-aug-30-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/11-ann-groong-wir-11-aug-30-2020/Sun, 30 Aug 2020 20:17:35 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/11-ann-groong-wir-11-aug-30-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian POW Gurgen Alaverdyan. Armenia&rsquo;s Humanitarian Aid to Aleppo. Serge Sargsyan&rsquo;s Interview and the Four-Day War Deliberations. National Awards. Vagharshak Harutyunyan&rsquo;s Appointment as Chief Advisor to Pashinyan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/11/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/7-cog-education-reform-in-armenia-7-aug-13-2020/Sun, 30 Aug 2020 02:53:09 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/7-cog-education-reform-in-armenia-7-aug-13-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/7-cog-education-reform-in-armenia-7-aug-13-2020/Sun, 30 Aug 2020 02:53:09 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/7-cog-education-reform-in-armenia-7-aug-13-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Brief background. The background of the current proposed curriculum. In terms of content, how does the proposed curriculum compare to the previous one? What are some of the main changes, additions, omissions? About the standards and measurements of the proposed curricula. About the implementation (pedagogy) of the proposed curricula.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/7/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/10-cog-turkey-part-2-10-aug-28-2020/Fri, 28 Aug 2020 00:55:50 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/10-cog-turkey-part-2-10-aug-28-2020/<h2 id="overview">Overview</h2> <p>In this second part of our Conversation on Turkey, we continue to explore Turkey’s transformation throughout the twentieth century and into the twenty first, and the underlying dynamics powering these changes.</p> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>All right, that’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>, we hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news, the links are in the show notes. Thanks to <strong>Laura Osborn</strong> for the music on our podcasts. We’ll talk to you soon!</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/10-cog-turkey-part-2-10-aug-28-2020/Fri, 28 Aug 2020 00:55:50 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/10-cog-turkey-part-2-10-aug-28-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Turkey: Zero Problems? Azerbaijan: The Myth of Brotherly Relations? Armenia: From Diplomatic Overtures to a Mini Cold War.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/10/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/9-cog-turkey-part-1-9-aug-24-2020/Tue, 25 Aug 2020 00:55:50 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/9-cog-turkey-part-1-9-aug-24-2020/<h2 id="overview">Overview</h2> <p>In 2002, Turkey’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) won a sweeping victory in the country’s general elections, dominating and shaping domestic and foreign policies of Turkey for nearly two decades to this date. Outwardly, under Erdogan’s and AKP’s leadership, Turkey has transformed from a country with a stated and acclaimed foreign policy seeking “zero problems with neighbors” to one that is actively engaged in economic, political and military rivalry with its Middle East and other regional neighbors, as well as balancing global players. Armenia is deeply affected by the quality of relationships that Turkey conducts with each of its neighbors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/9-cog-turkey-part-1-9-aug-24-2020/Tue, 25 Aug 2020 00:55:50 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/9-cog-turkey-part-1-9-aug-24-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Turkey’s Transformation in Historical Perspective. Change and Continuity of Turkish Political Culture. Turkey’s Foreign Policy.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/9/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/8-ann-groong-wir-8-aug-16-2020/Mon, 17 Aug 2020 05:43:33 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/8-ann-groong-wir-8-aug-16-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/8-ann-groong-wir-8-aug-16-2020/Mon, 17 Aug 2020 05:43:33 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/8-ann-groong-wir-8-aug-16-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Nikol Pashinyan&rsquo;s Interview on BBC HARDtalk. Belarus Presidential Elections. Amulsar Gold Mine.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/8/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/6-ann-groong-wir-6-aug-9-2020/Mon, 10 Aug 2020 00:38:42 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/6-ann-groong-wir-6-aug-9-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/6-ann-groong-wir-6-aug-9-2020/Mon, 10 Aug 2020 00:38:42 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/6-ann-groong-wir-6-aug-9-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Massive Explosion in Beirut. Lightning Round. Turkey-Azerbaijan Military Exercises. Mashtots Park. Cyber Security Intrusion.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/6/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/5-wordsnotswords-kocharyan-sis-arthur-danielyan-constitutional-court-covid-diaspora-commissioner-headlines-people/Mon, 03 Aug 2020 02:39:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/5-wordsnotswords-kocharyan-sis-arthur-danielyan-constitutional-court-covid-diaspora-commissioner-headlines-people/<h2 id="wordsnotswords">Living With Conflict #WordsNotSwords</h2> <h3 id="overview">Overview</h3> <p>From July 12 to July 17 Armenia and Azerbaijan clashed on their border, killing tens of servicemen and civilians from both sides. In the following week the press and propaganda from both sides picked up in an effort to align international opinion and sympathies on their side, and some demonstrations in cities around the world got out of hand, resulting in violence between protestors, injuries and arrests.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/5-wordsnotswords-kocharyan-sis-arthur-danielyan-constitutional-court-covid-diaspora-commissioner-headlines-people/Mon, 03 Aug 2020 02:39:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/5-wordsnotswords-kocharyan-sis-arthur-danielyan-constitutional-court-covid-diaspora-commissioner-headlines-people/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Living With Conflict WordsNotSwords. Panel Discussion on Robert Kocharyan&rsquo;s Interview. Lightning Round. The SIS Charges Arthur Danielyan. Nominees for the Constitutional Court.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/5/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/4-war-roundup-karena-avedissian-national-security-strategy-headlines-people/Mon, 27 Jul 2020 21:49:57 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/4-war-roundup-karena-avedissian-national-security-strategy-headlines-people/<h2 id="panel-war-roundup--artsakh">Panel: War roundup / Artsakh</h2> <h3 id="overview">Overview</h3> <p>This week we saw the fighting in the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan simmer down and take a backseat to the political statements flowing in from around the world. In general except for Turkey and a few other countries, we’ve seen balanced statements from major countries and organizations such as the US, the EU, the UN, Russia and the CSTO.</p> <p>Major journalists such as David Ignatius called on the US and Russia to seize this moment as a rare opportunity to collaborate towards peace in the Caucasus.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/4-war-roundup-karena-avedissian-national-security-strategy-headlines-people/Mon, 27 Jul 2020 21:49:57 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/4-war-roundup-karena-avedissian-national-security-strategy-headlines-people/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Panel: War roundup / Artsakh. Conversation: National Security Doctrine. Panel: National Security Doctrine.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/4/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/2-tavush-border-skirmish-azerbaijan-propaganda-mingechaur-threat-to-anpp-with-missiles/Sun, 19 Jul 2020 16:11:57 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/2-tavush-border-skirmish-azerbaijan-propaganda-mingechaur-threat-to-anpp-with-missiles/<h2 id="clashes-on-the-tavush-border">Clashes on the Tavush border</h2> <h3 id="overview">Overview</h3> <p>Around noon on Sunday, July 12, Azerbaijani forces attempted to infiltrate the Armenian border in the Tavush region of Armenia. Upon initial shots by Armenian armed forces, Azerbaijani soldiers abandoned their vehicle and retreated, only to attack the Armenian army border post again and be repulsed after suffering nearly half a dozen deaths.</p> <p>Later on Sunday evening Azerbaijan started intensive shelling along the Armenian border, and by Monday morning there were reports of drone attacks, shelling, and sniper fire. Azerbaijan also went on a PR and Cyber offensive. Armenian government sites were hacked, and both Azerbaijan and Turkey were trying to pin responsibility for the fighting on Armenia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/2-tavush-border-skirmish-azerbaijan-propaganda-mingechaur-threat-to-anpp-with-missiles/Sun, 19 Jul 2020 16:11:57 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/2-tavush-border-skirmish-azerbaijan-propaganda-mingechaur-threat-to-anpp-with-missiles/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Clashes on the Tavush Border. Azerbaijani Propaganda around Armenian Threats to the Mingechaur Reservoid. Azerbaijan’s threat to strike Armenia’s Nuclear Power Plant with missiles.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/2/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/3-areg-danagoulian-azerbaijan-missile-threat-to-armenian-nuclear-power-plant/Fri, 17 Jul 2020 02:52:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/3-areg-danagoulian-azerbaijan-missile-threat-to-armenian-nuclear-power-plant/<h2 id="the-threat-on-the-armenian-nuclear-power-plant">The Threat on the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant</h2> <p>In this segment <strong>Asbed Kotchikian</strong> discusses a wide variety of aspects of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (ANPP) at Metsamor with <strong>Areg Danagulian</strong>. The ANPP’s significance to Armenia’s economy, energy security, and independence cannot be overstated. The power plant was shut down in 1989 following the devastating earthquake in Spitak, and when it was brought back online in 1995 after being shut down since 1989 it served as a lifeline and helped fuel Armenia’s economic growth for the next two decades.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/3-areg-danagoulian-azerbaijan-missile-threat-to-armenian-nuclear-power-plant/Fri, 17 Jul 2020 02:52:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/3-areg-danagoulian-azerbaijan-missile-threat-to-armenian-nuclear-power-plant/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijan&rsquo;s threat to attack the NPP. Overall safety and security of the plant. Safe handling of nuclear fuel. Renewable energy alternatives to nuclear. Maintenance and upgrades to the NPP.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/3/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/1-constitutional-court-polls-covid-response-armenian-media-headlines-people/Sun, 12 Jul 2020 04:07:12 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/1-constitutional-court-polls-covid-response-armenian-media-headlines-people/<h2 id="the-constitutional-court-standoff-continues-in-limbo">The Constitutional Court Standoff Continues in Limbo</h2> <h3 id="overview">Overview</h3> <p>The saga around the Armenian Constitutional Court continues this week. The three judges who were targets of the persistent efforts by Pashinyan and his My Step (Im Qayl) parliamentary faction have taken their case to the European Court of Human Rights. The ECHR refused to grant an urgent injunction (intended to prevent any change in the makeup of the court until the case is fully deliberated), however, there are indications that ECHR intends to expedite this case, giving the parties until August to submit their positions.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/1-constitutional-court-polls-covid-response-armenian-media-headlines-people/Sun, 12 Jul 2020 02:02:27 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/1-constitutional-court-polls-covid-response-armenian-media-headlines-people/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Constitutional Court Standoff Continues in Limbo. Polls, and what you should know about them. The Armenian Government’s response to COVID-19. The State of Armenian Media: Media Freedoms During Covid.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/1/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>